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A few years ago, Niki left Dallas, TX with her toddler son, Zane, headed for Easton, MD for a fresh start. Family welcomed her with open arms, but over time, she felt she was becoming a burden. She was determined to live independently but didn’t yet have the means. A visit to the Neighborhood Service Center (the Eastern Shore’s Community Action Agency) led her to Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS).
TIS’ S4 Program (Shelter, Stability, Support, Success) is a unique approach to fighting homelessness on the Mid-Shore. TIS addresses the root causes of homelessness and guides local families, adults, and seniors to lasting self-sufficiency.
Niki and Zane began at TIS’ family shelter, Easton’s Promise. There is also a shelter for single individuals called Evelyn’s Place. Both shelters are neighboring historic homes located in downtown Easton. Easton’s Promise is a former bed and breakfast, allowing each family to have its own room and bathroom. This allowed Niki and Zane room to regroup, and rebuild.
Niki quickly landed a job at Capriotti’s, where she soon earned a promotion to Assistant Manager. Zane has special needs, and Capriotti’s worked with Niki to develop a schedule that would allow her to be with him when he wasn’t in childcare.
While working, caring for Zane, and completing household chores, Niki also attended mandatory life skills training, which, as she puts it, taught her “how to move ahead instead of just staying in survival mode.”
2025 was a big year for Niki and Zane. They moved from the shelter into TIS transitional housing – a huge step towards independence. Zane began school, where he is thriving. Niki began attending Penn Foster Career School, training for a career in Sterile Processing - preparing instruments for surgery and other medical procedures. This career path will offer the flexibility to be home for Zane when he needs her.
Niki and Zane are on the road to Success, thanks to generous support from local individuals, businesses, faith communities, and foundations. Visit talbotinterfaithshelter.org to find out more about Talbot Interfaith Shelter’s mission and how you can help transform lives like Niki and Zane’s!
410-690-3120 • PO Box 2004 • Easton, MD 21601
