From Homeless to Business Entrepreneur

In 2011, Denisse Tejada was homeless and needed help from FamilyAid Boston. Today, she is a successful business leader helping others in her community to get healthy.

Between client visits, FamilyAid Boston Case Manager Mistral Olaverria recently stopped for a smoothie at On The Edge Nutrition, a South Boston health food store. She was greeted with a friendly smile by the shop’s manager, Denisse. Mistral introduced herself and to her surprise, learned Denisse was once a FamilyAid Boston client.

In 2011, Denisse became both a widow and new mom.  Unable to keep up with the cost of both rent and daycare, Denisse and her then toddler son, Gesus, left their apartment to stay with extended family. Unfortunately, living with multiple families was tough and the small, overcrowded apartment put a strain on Denisse’s health. Finally, Denisse made the difficult decision to apply for shelter, and she and her son were placed with FamilyAid Boston.

From her first day with FamilyAid Boston, Denisse was motivated and determined to find stable, permanent housing. Denisse met with her FamilyAid Boston support team to address her family’s needs, establish a plan to help her reach her goals, connect her to community resources, and eventually return to stable housing.

“FAB put me in a position where I was able to get out of a toxic environment and make my own space to grow, become independent, and find an apartment for my family,” says Denisse.

Denisse’s support team helped her find affordable daycare for Gesus, which allowed Denisse to enroll in a job training program and focus on her mental and physical health. Upon completion of the program, Denisse earned a certificate in business management.

Several months after she came to FamilyAid Boston, Denisse obtained an affordable housing voucher. With the support of her case manager, Denisse found a wonderful apartment close to her son’s daycare. Denisse and Gesus were able to move out of shelter and settle into their new apartment, where they have now been for six years.

Denisse’s upbeat personality and high energy have contributed greatly to her success. She has put tremendous work into improving her family’s lives with noticeable results. Through networking and connections made during her time with FamilyAid Boston, Denisse found an outlet through health and fitness, and successfully launched a health coaching business that now has a large social media presence.

A year ago, she helped establish On The Edge Nutrition, which is introducing healthy alternatives to residents in South Boston and beyond.

Denisse now also has a young son, Caiden, and is grateful to have a place where she and her sons can continue growing and learning. Denisse thanks FamilyAid Boston for encouraging her to live better, and is doing the same for her clients and customers.

You can safely visit On The Edge Nutrition in-person at 283 Colony Ave in South Boston, or order through delivery services.