When Marquita’s mother moved to Milwaukee, Marquita came with her and they shared a house. For a few months they were able to concentrate on making a fresh start in their new home, but then Marquita’s mother was evicted. Her mom was able to find shelter at the Salvation Army, but with three little girls, Marquita needed a place that could keep all of them together.
Marquita admits that a shelter wasn’t her first choice. She scoured the list of emergency numbers, but as you may know, Joy House is almost unique in our community in providing housing and care to women and their children. So she came to Joy House--and found a very pleasant surprise. “This turned out to be a really good thing,” she says now. “I really haven’t had a bad day here.”
We can make Joy House inviting and safe for families in crisis because concerned friends like you understand that keeping families together is the best way to change their situation permanently. In her Fresh Start parenting classes, Marquita learned how to understand and nurture her children better. “My kids used to get lots of spankings,” she says, “but now I give them time outs and I have patience. I’ve learned how precious they are. I’ve gone back to church. I go every Sunday and I pray every night.” The whole family is growing closer and working as a team!
Marquita has also discovered a new love while working in our daycare center. “It’s amazing! I want to be an elementary teacher. I love kids!”
She graduated from Fresh Start in July, and is working toward a degree to further her new goal of teaching. “This place lets you change,” she explains, “your mind and your heart. Whether you donate shoes, socks, or ten dollars, you’re helping make someone’s life better. It makes this place a home.”
When Marquita and her children needed a home, you were there to support them. And now, with your continuing help, Marquita is gaining the skills to give her family a safe home for years to come! Thank you for loving needy families enough to give them a safe refuge in times of trouble.
