Standing proudly with her mother and siblings all wearing graduation caps, teenaged Angelina Gonzalez asked for the microphone. As she began speaking, many in the audience were amazed at her poise and articulate sincerity—though for some of us Angie’s maturity was no surprise.
“Thank you, Joshua Station, for everything. I’m so grateful for the staff and support provided here for our family during our two years of living here. Thank you for showing up and helping my family to get us to where we are today.
“My mom’s [Felicia’s] success is our success ’cause at the end of the day, mama will always be there for you. It takes a village to help a family overcome their trials and tribulations. And I can say Joshua Station was our village. I love you, Joshua Station.”
On this culminating night of our transformational two-year program, it’s not just the adult parents who are graduating—it’s the entire family. Among this year’s graduates is a child who took his actual first steps in our office hallways and is now a talkative handsome guy. Another has become a home remodeling apprentice. Another has special needs and is thriving, thanks to his mother’s determination—and his.
Our resident children’s life achievements would be worthy of the entire celebration! But of course our adults were shining brightly, and we all soaked in the glow. Among the many well-deserved words were these:
“Sarah is an extraordinary mother who fought tirelessly and fiercely for her son to receive the support he needed at school. She didn’t stop until she saw him thriving. That kind of advocacy requires so much strength, even when the process is exhausting. Sarah is inquisitive and thinks in big, global, philosophical lenses, but she’s also very relatable and genuinely fun to be around. There’s a lightness to Sarah’s presence that puts people at ease.”
“Crystal navigates immense challenges with a level of determination and resourcefulness that is truly remarkable. She worked tirelessly toward securing her long-term financial situation. She navigated complicated systems, including the medical system. She persisted through the long process of pursuing her driver’s license and getting her car. Each of these accomplishments reflect hours of effort, courage, and self-advocacy.”
“Frances chose courage when many people might have quit. She kept working, refusing to let fear stop her. Then came and breakthrough. With the help of Joshua Station and a partner group, Tracie was able to get an apartment In October, she and her son moved into their new home. They have a place of their own safe stability and full of hope. Her story reminds us of determination and community support.”
Joshua Station helped with the first month’s rent and deposit, giving them the start they needed for the first time. Frances’s journey is a story of courage and strength. She shows us what it means to keep going even when life is hard.”
“Felicia worked hard on her education and now is one of two people spearheading an entirely new program in Denver as a peer recovery doula in conjunction with Children’s Hospital. She’s been featured in magazines and TV. She is generous, strong, brilliant, talented, and creative. Shis is someone who has a heart, that if everyone in the world had that heart, this would be a much better world.”
Socoro’s journey is a living example of strength, courage, and transformation. She faced some of the hardest challenges a person can endure—challenges that led her to stop, reflect, and make the brave choice to change the direction of her life. She decided that her story wasn’t over. It was just beginning. She embraced every opportunity to learn and grow from therapy sessions that helped her heal, to classes and programs that opened new possibilities for her future. She stayed committed even when the path was hard, and each step brought her closer to the woman she was always meant to be.”
When this extraordinary group flung their graduation caps in the air, how could we not erupt with enormous cheers of admiration?
Joyfully,
Jeff Johnsen
Executive Director/CEO
