We have “graduated” 22 women Since 2016

One of our residents was recovering from a stroke and had lost her job and home due to her lengthy recovery time.  She came to us able to do light duty work and after some months was able to save enough money to purchase a car.  She had maintained her drivers' license, so this opened more possibilities for work.  She used the skills she had learned with us and started online education to complete her courses to become a registered nurse.  COVID kept her from starting her clinical rotation, but as she was ready for independence.  She moved into her own apartment and as soon as the school opened for clinical rotations, she was ready.  

This resident came to us downtrodden and angry.  She had a job she hated, she felt ugly and she was in some despair.  She talked with us so much about her issues and started realizing that she wanted to learn more, as she didn't have a high school diploma.  She learned how to use the computer and passed that class, giving her some much-needed confidence.  Having to walk to and from the bus stop helped her get stronger and lose weight, which gave her more self-esteem.  She started studying to get her GED, learned more at her job and started to really like what she was doing.  When she left Joy House and moved into her own apartment before she took her GED, but she had found that she was a valuable person with many friends. Another woman becoming independent!!!

Another Joy House resident had gone through so much trauma that she was hesitant to interact with anyone.  She was very reluctant to be in a home with others, but she saw the need to try to get back on her feet.  She had several difficult experiences even after she came to us which could have kept her from becoming independent.  Slowly, she started to interact more comfortably and recognized her skills as we encouraged her attempts to do new things.  She was able to find an apartment in her home town and has been able to reconnect with her family.  We are so grateful for having met her.