2 minutes reading time (377 words)
Alumna Reflects Back with Deep Gratitude
“I had support, and a family. I’m always going to be grateful. They gave me a lot of opportunities.” Homeless and pregnant, Julie found herself facing an overwhelming and uncertain future. The situation became even more daunting when her mother, upon learning of Julie's pregnancy, forced her out of the house. During this tumultuous time, Julie confided in her high school English teacher, who, understanding the gravity of her situation, connected her to a social worker at The Night Ministry—a lifeline that would help guide her through this difficult chapter.
"I had support, and a family. I'm always going to be grateful. They gave me a lot of opportunities." Five years later, she still thinks about what would have happened if she hadn't walked through our doors.
"The Night Ministry doesn't understand how much they helped me. It makes me emotional to talk about. Experiencing homelessness for the first time in my life, I felt ashamed. Little. Everyone made sure I didn't feel that way." Julie said the staff was supportive and understanding from the moment she did her initial intake. She never felt uncomfortable.
Julie finished high school and one semester of college before her son was born. Our staff helped Julie prepare for her very first job at Family Dollar with workforce development programs and mock interviews. The team also helped Julie, and her son moved into more stable housing. During her time at The Night Ministry, she joined staff members Candace Musick and Michelle Thomas at a Runaway Homeless Youth Conference in Florida where she provided a strong personal testimony. It helped her find her voice. Today, her life looks very different.
Julie is married to a supportive husband, and they have a one-year-old daughter together. She currently works at Lawndale Christian Health Center as a Registration Representative with flexible hours that allow her to be present for her children. Julie loves her job, the people, and working in the community. While she plans to finish her education in the future, she remains connected to The Night Ministry, serving as a part-time Resource Coordinator. Julie has also reconciled with her mother.
"I had support, and a family. I'm always going to be grateful. They gave me a lot of opportunities." Five years later, she still thinks about what would have happened if she hadn't walked through our doors.
"The Night Ministry doesn't understand how much they helped me. It makes me emotional to talk about. Experiencing homelessness for the first time in my life, I felt ashamed. Little. Everyone made sure I didn't feel that way." Julie said the staff was supportive and understanding from the moment she did her initial intake. She never felt uncomfortable.
Julie finished high school and one semester of college before her son was born. Our staff helped Julie prepare for her very first job at Family Dollar with workforce development programs and mock interviews. The team also helped Julie, and her son moved into more stable housing. During her time at The Night Ministry, she joined staff members Candace Musick and Michelle Thomas at a Runaway Homeless Youth Conference in Florida where she provided a strong personal testimony. It helped her find her voice. Today, her life looks very different.
Julie is married to a supportive husband, and they have a one-year-old daughter together. She currently works at Lawndale Christian Health Center as a Registration Representative with flexible hours that allow her to be present for her children. Julie loves her job, the people, and working in the community. While she plans to finish her education in the future, she remains connected to The Night Ministry, serving as a part-time Resource Coordinator. Julie has also reconciled with her mother.
Candace calls Julie one of the most powerful people she has ever met. "She never backed down from being a fully present mother or pursuing her goals. She has a vision for her life, and it's coming to fruition," says Candace.