Eva Maria Fischer - Heather WileyNew York City

“In 2018, I participated in the Education Outreach Program (EOP) which assists homeless adults to recover from the trauma associated with their homelessness and be re-integrated into their community. And I had the good fortune to have Eva Maria as my mentor and coach throughout the 12-week life skills class.

Not only did Eva Maria support me in successfully graduating the program, but she was a crucial part in the huge transformation that I experienced. I was finally able to come out of my shell, and most importantly, to let other people in! I now feel that I have friends and a network of people that I can rely on, people that warm my heart – and Eva Maria is a special one. She was with me as I looked back on 57 years of my life, remembering things that I had left behind and are important to understanding who I am, and coping with early childhood experiences; teenage years high school; my intimate relationships; focusing more on what “I” want – personally and professionally. I enjoyed the drawing and journaling a lot, and value the meditation and mind exercises she gave me. They have helped me through these months of isolation during the shutdown for Covid-19.

I think about Eva Maria everyday with gratitude. She has helped me to do this miraculous thing, to recover and get my life back. And she has remained a good friend! I know now where my drive comes from in life and I am able to take good care of myself. Eva Maria was a rare blessing that came into my life. Everyone should go through a process with someone like her! “