Carmen’s journey is one of courage, perseverance, and the unwavering hope for a second chance. As a single mother, she faced overwhelming challenges, and without the support she needed, she made choices that led her down a dark path. Carmen was sentenced to prison, and for five long years, she and her 17-year-old son, Elijah, were separated during some of the most critical years of his life. Milestones like his graduation came and went, moments Carmen longed to share with him. Elijah went to live with his grandmother, and while they were physically apart, Carmen’s love for him never wavered.
In prison, Carmen made a choice—a choice to fight for a better future. She took advantage of every opportunity, starting with earning her GED. Then she went even further, enrolling at Ashland University, where she’s pursuing a major in communications and a minor in sociology. Carmen’s commitment to her education paid off—she is an honor student, and by the end of 2025, she will proudly participate in a graduation ceremony, a powerful symbol of her determination to rewrite her story.
When Carmen was released, SJW was there, ready to give her the soft landing she needed. Through a partnership with Televerde, Carmen entered SJW’s 30-day housing program, a safe and supportive environment for individuals re-entering society. Soon after, she found a job in sales, and with that, the door opened for her to join SJW’s Workforce Villages, a 90-day transitional housing program focused on employment and stability.
During her time in Workforce Villages, Carmen learned crucial life skills—how to budget, save, and even meal-plan on less than $5 per meal. She took control of her future, saving $5,000 in just 90 days. And the most important part? She and her son were reunited, moving into their own apartment. Today, Elijah is thriving in his career at Amazon, and Carmen is building a future they both can be proud of.
Can we count on your compassion to help change lives?
Your donation can make a transformative impact:
$32 can provide a month of transportation for job interviews or a new job.
$45 can provide an individual with a day of transitional housing, including essential resources, life skills classes, and support on their journey to stable housing.
$50 can connect a job seeker to quality employment and provide a bus pass and interview clothing.
$120 can equip a client with work tools, uniforms, or other resources needed for their first day on the job.
With your help, we can offer hope and a fresh start to those with nowhere else to turn. Join us in making a difference. Together, we can ensure that more stories like Frank’s end with newfound hope and stability.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
