Paula Williams was a young mother struggling to take care of her daughter Cierra. Times were tough and money was tight. When she needed a place to look after her little girl, Paula’s sister, then a teacher at Jack & Jill, suggested she bring her to the Center. Paula was shy and kept to herself but the staff was so welcoming that when her son was born, she enrolled him too. While at Jack & Jill, Paula participated in parent workshops where she learned that there were other families going through the same struggles. She quickly realized that it was okay to ask for help and that she wouldn’t be judged if she couldn’t afford diapers or her children’s clothes were old and worn. Knowing that someone was willing to help and encourage her motivated Paula to help later at a small hotel.