When Lavonna first came to Joy House, the young mother felt defeated and lost. She desperately wanted a better life for herself and her kids, but she had no idea what to do.

“I grew up in a family with a lot of challenges.” Lavonna says. “I never got much support from anyone. I had a baby when I was 15, dropped out of school, and was completely on my own. And I’ve been on my own ever since.”

Lavonna seemed to be getting by on her own until a year ago when she lost her job. Then, last spring, she lost her apartment. Having run out of options, she came to Joy House.

“I really needed to figure out how to make my life work, so I’d never be in this position again,” she says. “But how do I do that? I have children who need me. I never graduated from high school. I don’t know anything about how to live like an adult. I mean, where do I even start?”

Thanks to Joy House—and YOUR support—Lavonna gained valuable life skills, through budgeting and parenting classes, and by learning how to set and maintain goals. She started studying for her GED, and next plans to attend college to study nursing. Lavonna says she has a long way to go, but she is thankful for Joy House staff who continue to walk with her and guide her every step of the way.

“They helped me get on the right path with God,” she says. “God is helping me get through all this, and he’ll never leave me nor forsake me.”

“I’ve been surrounded by so much love here, and knowing that donors make all this possible is such a blessing. It helps me stay positive and determined to keep going. I’m so thankful!”