"I was in such a desperate situation. I came to JFS Orlando after a divorce and abusive relationship. I was at the end, going from hotel to hotel. I cried the entire time during my first meeting with my JFS caseworker, not able to speak, and feeling so alone and lost.
It was there in that office that things in my world began to change.
My caseworker explained very clearly what was going to be expected of me. She told me JFS would provide the tools, but that I will be helping myself.
She was confident in me and never gave up, even when I couldn't see any good.
She encouraged and pushed me back into reality. Yes, bad things have happened, but my daughter and I couldn't live in my car forever.
At a time in my life when
I was brushing my teeth and washing my child in a gas station bathroom
, not knowing if I was going to sleep in a bed or in the car that night, I had JFS. It is very easy to cop out and give up when no one sees who you are and no one cares. It's because
of these beautiful people and this miracle from God that I am working, I have an apartment, and I kept my car.
I am so very grateful.
Where would I be without JFS' help?
"
-Jennifer,
former JFS Family Stabilization Program client
