DECEMBER 2017 40 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM in their studies, are more likely to have learning disabilities and behavioral problems, and are much less likely to graduate from high school. That can extend the cycle of homelessness for generations. As for Tumbleweed, when UMOM took on the struggling program nearly a year ago, Newsom said, “The hope is that we're going to be able to transfer a lot of those programs to UMOM to continue to operate them, so none of the services that they currently provide go away.” Thankfully, 75 percent of the programs were integrated, and those that were not had been discontinued prior to UMOM taking over. Now the intention is to grow those programs — to provide even stronger services for young adults ages 18–24, giving them a safe place to eat, shower, access educational and employment resources, and connect to a team of specialists who can assist them in ending their housing crisis. UMOM New Day Centers’ — and Darlene Newsom’s — tasks would be daunting to many. But they face them head on, with unblinking hope. Newsom is reminded every day of that family her father help so many years ago. That image is her motivation, and her purpose. umom.org GIVING BACK CONTINUED

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