12 Kids of Christmas: Meet Shaunetra

Reason to Give #7: Something's Stirring

Too many cooks in the kitchen? Not the case at Covenant House. Our staff goes above and beyond their job descriptions to help raise our kids. This is the case for Ms. Reed and Ms. Marguerite, two of CHM’s chefs who provide meals for our kids each day. But they take it a step further and teach our kids, like Shaunetra, to prepare food and prepare for life. The time the cooks spend with our kids impacts their lives. The kids look up to them and are inspired by theirwisdom.

Meet Shaunetra.
Shaunetra is 22 and resides at the Crisis Center. While staying at the center, our staff designs an individual plan for each young adult, connecting them with the services they need, as well as providing counseling. They are expected to help with chores, get up early and spend their day productively pursuing their education and employment.

We asked her her story, here's what she said:

Why did you come to Covenant House?
I was staying with my friend and it wasn't livable for me so I found out about Covenant House through a friends so I came here to go to school and finding a job.

If you could pick one thing that Covenant House has helped you with, what would it be?
Helped me find a job at Popeyes. I start at the end of the month.

What are you grateful for?
I'm grateful for all the helpful people at Covenant House: Ms. Johnson, Ms. Norma, Mr. Hanson, Ms. Blanca, Ms. Marguerite and Ms. Reed, Ms. Bonner because she's close to my age and I can talk with her about anything and she gives me honest criticism and Mr. Lamar who gives me a guy's perspective.

What's your best memory at Covenant House?
Working in the kitchen learning new things. Ms. Reed and Ms. Marguerite have taught me how to cook, slice meat, sanitize and food preparation. Sometimes I cook meals for the other residents, macaroni and cheese is my best dish. I work in the kitchen five days a week. I really enjoy it because it's peaceful, I get away from other drama, learn new things and talk with Ms. Marguerite and Ms. Reed.

And finally, what do you want to accomplish in the new year?
I want to continue working, go to school at Kaplan to get licensed as a Medical Assistant and eventually become a nurse. I also want to get my own place and get a car.

Yes! I want to give today to help staff like Ms. Reed and Ms. Marguerite provide life skills and help kids, like Shaunetra, succeed!

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