Paula's Success Story

Hope During Life’s Toughest Times

Times were tough and money was tight for Paula, a young mother struggling to take care of daughter Cierra. Paula participated in parenting workshops where she learned stress and anger management skills, positive discipline techniques and how to nurture herself. She quickly realized that other families were going through the same struggles and that it was okay to ask for help. Knowing that someone was willing to help her motivated Paula find a job and help herself.

Unfortunately, just a few years later, a tragic house fire left Paula and her family with nothing but the clothes on their back. The Jack & Jill team came together bringing the family food and clothing and reminded Paula that she was not alone. “They were there for me mentally, physically and emotionally,” says Paula. 

Despite the setback, Paula was determined to move forward. She dreamed of a better job, but was too embarrassed to apply after an abusive relationship left her with broken teeth. The Jack & Jill team helped Paula come up with the money to pay for her corrective procedure. Confident in her new smile, Paula applied for a new job and was hired immediately.  

Paula said that the teachers and staff at Jack & Jill taught her how to nurture her children and showed her love and compassion, which she had never experienced before since she comes from a dysfunctional family.  

Not only did her children learn the skills to succeed in school, they received love and tenderness from the Jack & Jill teachers. It has been more than five years since Paula’s last child graduated from Jack & Jill. Little Cierra is now a grown woman, working and caring for her own baby. Fifteen-year-old Willie is a proud member of his high school’s ROTC while Randall, now 12 is excelling in school and plays on the basketball team.  Whitley, 11, was just inducted into the National Honor Society. Paula’s children are proud to be alumni of Jack & Jill and still talk about how much they loved the Center. This is the greatest place ever!” says Paula.