Chrishawnia

Chrishawnia is 20 years old and has recently moved into CHM’s Rights of Passage transitional living program. She is excelling quickly and is determined to make her life better.

“I’m not here to lay around and get comfortable,” Chrishawnia stated. “I’m here to get my GED, get a job and get my own place!” She’s on the right track.

Chrishawnia came to CHM less than two months ago and is currently preparing to take her GED. She was recently hired at Providence Hospital. However, she wasn’t always so focused. Chrishawnia grew up without her father.

“He just abandoned my mom and me,” she said with tears welling up in her eyes. “What kind of man leaves his only daughter? I don’t understand why, it’s not like there is something wrong with me. Why didn’t he want me?” she painfully asked.

Chrishawnia was raised by a single mom with the help of her grandparents. Aside from basic teenage struggles, she was on the right track. Then, in an instant, her world collapsed. Her Grandma passed away during Chrishawnia’s senior year of high school. “My whole world was gone. I didn’t care about anything, didn’t want to go to school, started acting up and being disrespectful,” admitted Chrishawnia. “Why was she taken away from me?”

After moving in with her fiancé, she became pregnant, but lost the baby at 20 weeks. Their relationship fell apart and he moved out. Chrishawnia could no longer afford her bills and was evicted. It seemed as if every person in her life was just passing her by and leaving her behind.

Lost and confused, Chrishawnia moved in with her aunt, who was raising three children of her own. Living space was cramped and Chrishawnia knew she had to do something and go somewhere to get back on track. Her aunt had heard about Covenant House and helped her with a ride to the Crisis Center.

“When I first came to CHM I didn’t trust anyone, didn’t talk to anyone,” said Chrishawnia. She quickly realized she needed help and needed someone to talk with. “The staff really listen to me, I talk to them about my past and how I feel,” she said. “I’m doing much better.”

Chrishawnia plans to continue pursuing her goals. Working at Providence Hospital is also giving her some experience working in the medical field. “I want to go to college, she said. “I either want to be a doctor or a nurse.”

Helping Chrishawnia break the cycle of hardship into which she was born would not be possible without the support of our amazing staff, donors, and volunteers. Together, we have truly made a difference in this young woman's life and the lives of those around her.

Donate now to help Chrishawnia and other kids in our programs.