QUICK FACTS

PERSONALITY

“I always try to talk to people about being a survivor, but I found out that I’m more than a survivor; I’m an overcomer. Because not only did I survive different difficulties in my life, but I overcame them. And because I overcame them, I’m able to help other people overcome things, help them to realize that when bad things do happen to us, we can learn from them, we can grow from them. And I have really grown.”

“Every situation in my life, I have to give God glory because He allows me to see from the heartbreak and the ups and downs how to look at it positively, look at all the situations in my life in a positive light. Because today it may not work out, but guess what? Tomorrow’s another day. If you wake up, there’s your opportunity to get it right. I just really feel like I’m a positive person.”

STORY

“I became homeless while I was still working. I worked seven years homeless. I’d get up, I’d sleep in my car, I’d park in people’s yards. I used to go down to the post office and park there, and police would come by and ask me, ‘Are you okay, Ma’am,’ and they would see bruises where I was hiding from him, and they would let me stay there. For awhile it was okay because I could hide it really well. Nobody knew. I was protecting him. It was horrible. I went through a lot, but I can help other women avoid it. Don’t be afraid to turn him in. I used to go under the bridge to eat and to get clothing and sleeping bags, and I took well advantage of the benefits that came with [the ministry]. But now I’ve also been a volunteer, so it was full circle in my life. A lot of my friends who I knew from being homeless were like ‘Wow! Look at you!’ Full circle.”

AT UNLOCKED

“I really love working with Unlocked because it has allowed me to unlock my potential. It has given me the ability to see that I have more to offer, not just in jewelry but in life. When people wear the jewelry I made, they really make me feel like I did something special. Not only that, but to be able to work with other ladies from other backgrounds and not just become co-workers but friends, I love it. Unlocked has showed me a type of family relationship. It has given me a really good perspective on my life.”

“My self-esteem is so high; I’m up there! I’m able to pull some more women up there with me. I just won’t take ‘No’ for an answer anymore. I won’t. I’m not going to let anything or anybody take that from me ever again. I’ve always loved God, I’ve always loved people, but it’s much healthier now because I love me now. I didn’t love me at first.”

UPDATES

With her own housing and the income to support it, GJ graduated Unlocked in July of 2019. She is a pre-K teacher at a local child development center and even has her own car. She is planning to take a mission trip to Honduras next month. We could not be more proud of her and the success she has had.

Join our community by leaving a message of encouragement for GJ. We will make sure she sees it.