From everything Sarah Eckenrode heard about Joshua Station, she knew this was the place where she wanted to rebuild her life. In fact, as soon as she heard she would be accepted into the program as a resident, she named her unborn son Joshua.

Sarah remembers being told not to worry about bringing anything—just clothes and Joshua. When Sarah walked into her Joshua Station residence for the first time, she was overcome. “I just cried. I couldn’t believe how beautifully decorated it was, personalized for my baby son and for me. The crib was just his size. I said, ‘Joshua, this is our new home!’” And she says the support at Joshua Station was even beyond what she expected. “I just love it here.”

“Sarah was very uncertain and insecure at first about how to do life, and to parent her son,” remembers her family advocate Ana Reyes. Little by little, Sarah gained confidence. With insights from staff and a parenting coach, Sarah realizes she needs to help Joshua, now age 2, become more independent and be ok out of her sight. Everybody enjoys Joshua’s big personality—always smiling, playing peek-a-boo, and waving.”

Sarah has worked hard in her pursuit of a career in the medical field, with assistance from Education and Employment Coordinator Maria Sierra. A recent setback in her education plans dealt a huge blow. “But nothing is going to stop me from my goal,” she declared in a recent community meeting. “Before, this would have brought me down and I would have given up. Not now, no way.”

“Sarah’s always saying how grateful she is for all that we’ve done for her,” Ana says. “But I remind her SHE is the one who has done the hard work. I’m just so proud of her. Her positivity and determination is inspiring to us all.”