For Carla Prenkert, founder and director of Build the Children, supporting families in need has always been about more than providing necessities. It is about helping people feel seen, supported and capable of building a better future for themselves and their children.

Her connection to Leading Families Home began in 2020 through a school supply and essentials drive supporting families staying at the organization’s Beach House shelter on Erie Street. After hearing about the shelter through an acquaintance who worked as a social worker, Prenkert decided to learn more about the organization and its mission.

“That experience really tugged at my heart,” Prenkert said. “I immediately saw how important their work was and how committed they were to helping families move forward.”

What began as a simple introduction quickly grew into an ongoing partnership centered around helping families experiencing homelessness find stability and hope.

More Than Temporary Shelter

According to Prenkert, what sets Leading Families Home apart is its focus on long-term success rather than short-term solutions. The organization’s approach helps families build the foundation for independence by offering guidance, resources and opportunities to rebuild their lives.

“They don’t just provide shelter,” she said. “They provide life-changing support.”

Over the years, Prenkert has witnessed countless examples of transformation among families served by Leading Families Home. “I’ve seen young mothers earn their GEDs, parents regain custody of their children and fathers complete job training programs and find stable work,” Prenkert said. “They help people rediscover their confidence and realize they are capable of more.”

She also praised the organization’s ongoing support for families after they transition out of shelter programs. “They continue to be a resource long after families leave,” she said. “That continued support is incredibly important because stability doesn’t happen overnight.”

Changing Perspectives on Homelessness

Prenkert believes one of the biggest misconceptions about homelessness is the idea that it could never happen to the average person.

“No one is immune,” she said. “A series of unfortunate events, rising housing costs, low wages and exhausted resources can put families in very difficult situations.”

She explained that many families also face barriers the public often doesn’t see, including challenges related to documentation, paperwork, finances and prejudice. 

As a retired nurse with more than 40 years of experience, Prenkert said partnering with Leading Families Home has deepened her understanding of the realities families face and changed her own perspective. “This work educated me and removed any prejudice I may have had,” she said. “I’ve witnessed the power of making people feel seen, valued and supported.”

She added that families cannot begin healing or planning for the future while focused solely on survival. “People can’t truly move forward until they’re in a place where they can finally breathe,” Prenkert said.

Strengthening the Community Together

Prenkert also credits Leading Families Home with helping strengthen collaboration among nonprofit organizations throughout the Toledo community. 

“They do an amazing job making the needs of families experiencing homelessness known and helping organizations understand how they can help,” she said.

She explained that the partnership has also helped Build the Children better understand the specific needs of children and families living in shelters, allowing the organization to provide more meaningful support. For Prenkert, one of the most fulfilling parts of the partnership has been the opportunity to bring joy and encouragement to families during difficult times.

“Leading Families Home creates the foundation that allows families to move beyond basic survival,” she said. “That gives organizations like ours the opportunity to come alongside them and provide moments of joy, love and hope.”

Looking Ahead

As Leading Families Home continues its mission, Prenkert hopes to see even more people step forward to support the organization and the families it serves.

“It takes a community to make this happen,” she said. “There is no ‘we’ and ‘they.’ We all have a responsibility to help each other.”

When asked why Leading Families Home’s work matters, Prenkert’s answer was simple.

“It comes down to basic morality and humanity,” she said. “Most people would do better if they were given the opportunity and support to succeed.”