This Holiday Season, Joy is Building a Future of Her Own
Joy is a resident at Calvary Women’s Services’ New Foundations program, her name echoing the spirit she carries. She came to Calvary after years of surviving domestic abuse. She was on the street when her daughter found Calvary online and made the initial call.
“I used to just think that was normal and it wasn’t. I had to get some help for myself because I felt lit it wasn’t.”
From the moment she arrived, Joy instantly recognized that Calvary was a place to learn, grow, and build a future. Staff and other residents praise her positive spirit and determination.
“I like Calvary because I’m moving along here. I see a lot of doors not open, and they help me open them.”
Having a steady job has been a major goal of hers which she achieved this year. Through Calvary’s employment programs, she was able to translate the resources and motivation into real opportunity. She is now working as a chef at a restaurant. She shared her experience navigating several job opportunities, learning to advocate for herself, and the moment she received the email that she got the job: “I ran upstairs. I was like “Ms. D, Ms. Jas, look, I have an interview.”
Her first month of work was transformative. She was delighted to be in a familiar space and able to begin rebuilding her life “I got the job. I have been on the job for almost of month now and I like what I do. I can make food with so much love.”
Joy frequently shares about Calvary staff have empowered her and kept her motivated with her employment goals.
“By helping me with applications, giving me the computer to do it on my own, to motivate myself, and tell me that I could do it. When I always think I couldn’t sometimes…but yes now I can.”
Calvary’s programs and mission work. Our programs provide structure, safety, and support, which are all critical for clients like Joy who are building independence.
“It keeps me safe and away from bad things and bad energy…I look in the mirror and what I see is me and what I work on is me.”
As Joy continues to thrive at work, she is focused on her long-term goal: securing her own apartment. She has created a clear plan, supported by Calvary staff, to save money and reach this goal.
“My goal is to have $2,000 and get me a little box apartment,” she said. “I’m going to keep my job and find another on the side so I can always pay my rent first.” Joy also passionately shared her motivation and optimism for the future: “I’m going to be okay because I’m going to have a one-bedroom. I don’t care if it’s a box. It’s mine and I worked for it.”
Her goals are emblematic of Calvary’s mission and this season as many gather with family and celebrate the warmth of being home, clients like Joy are building their futures. With your support, women can continue to be empowered to rebuild their lives and be Home for the Holidays. On Wednesday, December 3rd at 6:00 PM we invite you to celebrate stories like Joy’s and support women on their journey toward housing, healing, and hope.