I am still married to my husband Marvin. Marvin and I are now raising four kids with one on the way. My husband and I are doing well in life and it's all because of Living Grace. As you know I did not have many life skills. I was missing a lot of skills, Communicational skills, Cooking skills, Parental Skills, and many more. I grew up in and out of foster care, some of my foster parents were loving, and some were well, “just in it for a check”. My life now is so much better, because of Living Grace Homes. I am giving my children the life I use to dream about as a child. My children know love, they know understanding, they know acceptance, they are allowed to just be kids, they aren't wondering where their next meal is going to come from, they are not being abused in any form. My husband and I are breaking the cycle of abuse and neglect I once experienced.

When I look back at my life, I sometimes wonder what could've been, and I am so grateful, so blessed and proud of the young woman I have become! I know that I have some more learning to do, but I now get to teach. I recently joined Living Grace Homes as a Case Manager. I love it! I love being able to give back! I enjoy hearing women’s stories and being able to empathize and relate.

I Love that I get to tell them, "You are going to make it through this. I have been there, maybe not exactly where you are, but I know that if you want a better life for you and your child or children and you put in the hard work, it will happen! Living Grace has saved my life, and they will save yours too if you let them."

You're probably wondering how I have become a case worker for Living Grace? What made me apply? Well, the staff at Living Grace have always stayed in touch and cared about me even after I left. Stephanie, an integral part of Living Grace Homes reached out to me knowing I was now focusing my education on social work instead of the peace and justice as a patrol officer. She thought I would be a great asset to the team at LGH. The thought never really crossed my mind... or maybe I was just unsure of myself and wondered if I was good enough. I'm so glad Stephanie reached out. I love being here and being able to share my story and I hope that this story helps someone else to keep their head up and to keep on pushing forward, even when it hurts the most. Whatever you do. Don't stop!