10/02/2026
❤️ HOPE HAS A NAME: TANYA
“My name is Tanya Boyd, and today I’m here to share my story.”
Tanya was born and raised in Medford. Growing up, she witnessed addiction, abuse and chaos from a very young age. As she describes it, “the cycle in my family became normal to me.”
Eventually, Tanya found herself caught in that same cycle.
She struggled with addiction, dropped out of school, lived on the streets, and became pregnant at 18. After years of trying to find a different path, she eventually found herself pregnant again, struggling with addiction and unsure of what came next.
Then came treatment.
“I graduated from treatment, but when I finished, I didn’t know where I was going to go or what I was going to do next.”
That’s when Tanya applied to Hope House.
“When I first arrived, I stayed in the family dorm. I was scared and nervous, and I didn’t really know what to expect. But everyone was kind, welcoming, and supportive.”
And then something began to change.
“Hope House didn’t just give me a place to stay. They taught me how to live.”
She learned things that may seem simple to some, but were completely new to her — applying for jobs, keeping her living space clean, taking care of herself and her daughter, managing responsibilities, and learning how to become independent.
“I didn’t have the example or the stability I needed as a child. When I came to the Hope House, they gave me the opportunity to learn those things as an adult.”
Before she knew it, Tanya had moved into one of the lofts at Hope House. She was encouraged to apply for a Goodwill internship — “because I had never really had a stable job before.”
She applied.
She got an interview.
And now, “I’m starting work this week.”
She also has daycare for her daughter, and says her life is moving in a direction she never thought was possible.
“When I think about where I came from and where I am today, it’s hard to believe that this is my life.”
Then she says something that captures the heart of Hope House:
“This place restored hope in my life when I didn’t have much hope left.”
Tanya never imagined she would be standing here today, sharing her story, talking about having a home, starting a job, raising her daughter and building a future.
“Today, I love my life.”
Today, she gets to be a present parent.
“I get to be a mother to my daughter. I get to be a better daughter, a better friend, and a productive member of my community.”
And perhaps most importantly:
“I get to show my daughter that her life does not have to look like the life I grew up with. My past does not have to determine my future... I am incredibly grateful for the Hope House and to every staff member who has supported me, encouraged me, and believed in me.”
“They didn’t just give me a place to stay. They gave me an opportunity to change my life. They helped me find hope.”
“So, thank you, Hope House, for giving me a chance to become the woman and the mother I always wanted to be.” ❤️
This is what Hope looks like.
This is what a second chance can look like.
This is a life being restored. 🏡❤️
