Jackie

Jackie is a 20-year-old who has been with us since December of 2010.  She entered the foster care system at the age of four and was adopted when she was seven.  In time, her adopted mother started to physically and verbally abuse her.  Jackie looked for and found her birth family, but they only let her stay for a time.  She found herself on the streets when she didn’t have money to pay rent to her birth family.  Her brother Jonathon was the person who referred her here.  He had successfully passed through the program and wanted the same for his sister.  After leaving the program, he died in a drive-by shooting. 

Jackie said that her faith has sustained her through these difficult times. When she can, she still attends her old church in Pontiac.  She also likes to read her Bible.

Since she came to us, Jackie has regained a sense of hope. She gives special credit to Ms. Alexander and Ms. Williams who have helped her with filling out SSI (Supplemental Security Income) paperwork and giving her direction in life. She feels that all of the staff members have given her hope. “I had nothing and they have given me so much. I don’t know where I’d be right now. Covenant House has given me hope.  It has given me everything.  I’m happy here.”

Jackie’s next step is to enroll in a vocational school to obtain her Nurses Assistant Training.  She eventually hopes to obtain a nursing degree, but wants to take it one step at a time. In her spare time Jackie likes to play the clarinet, which she played in school from fifth grade through her senior year of high school!  We are hoping she will play for us soon.

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