It was two weeks before Christmas 2019, and I was really scared,” says Jayde Bonato. “I had nowhere to go.” Jayde’s crisis was compounded since she is mom to two boys ages 12 and 5. “[As a parent], you’re not just responsible for yourself, you’re responsible for these little people you love. And you’re like, how am I going to do this?”

Jayde was able to secure a spot at Joshua Station in our two-year program. “I was so fearful; I just didn’t know what to expect. I started crying when I walked into the room and saw how beautifully it was decorated—the kids had their own room complete with toys and everything we needed.”

Just settling in was a challenge, after the multiple traumas Jayde’s family experienced. All three family members began therapy at Joshua Station and found it to be a huge help. Our staff helped get the boys on track educationally, and Jayde entered a career training program with our partner Cross Purpose. She completed a medical coding certificate that landed her a good job she loves. “Now I have a real career and have enough money to support my family without having to rely on food stamps and Medicaid. I’m taking new courses in medical finance. Our situation is changing completely.”

Jayde has worked hard with our Joshua Station team about her future and goals, including her goal to own a home. She includes her boys in planning, such as owning pets when they have their own place, and learning about pet care now.

“Jayde is so open and hopeful,” says Denise Vaughn, her family advocate at Joshua Station. “She is always working on the building blocks of our program, in order to integrate more structure into her life and move forward for her family.”

We’re inspired, and we’re cheering for you Jayde!