Sandra Kay takes the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover” very seriously. She wants people to understand that just because someone does not appear disabled, that does not mean they are not facing real challenges. Sandra lives with invisible disabilities, and she wants others to know that these unseen struggles can affect people every single day, including herself.
She also strongly believes that homelessness does not have a single cause. People experience homelessness for a wide variety of reasons, and Sandra hopes those who are not homeless will treat those who are with compassion, kindness, and respect. She reminds people that unhoused individuals are people first, deserving of dignity and understanding just like anyone else.
During her journey at CISS, Sandra has found strength in the supportive friendships she has built, as well as the encouragement and care from staff. These relationships have helped her stay motivated and hopeful even during difficult moments. She credits this support system as one of the main reasons she continues moving forward.
Looking ahead, Sandra hopes to find a job and a home of her own soon. She is proud of herself for continuing to push forward and for signing up for as many housing and support services as possible. To her, this effort represents dedication to her personal growth and a strong commitment to building a better future.
If Sandra’s life were turned into a movie, she says the title would be Lifestyles of the Homeless and Guiding Hopefulness. The title captures both the reality of her experiences and her belief in growth, learning, and hope along the way.
If her flower arrangement had a name, she would call it Broken Violet. Sandra wants whoever takes her centerpiece home to know that it was created with a great deal of love and care. Even though she was unsure of herself at the beginning, she learned quickly and put her heart into the piece. For Sandra, the arrangement represents perseverance, creativity, and the beauty that can come from learning something new.
