Yolanda was 21 with six children when she lost her mom to drugs and her dad to the prison system. Yolanda, her siblings, and their cousins – 10 kids in all – were raised by her grandmother. Through tears she says, “I am truly grateful for my grandma. She didn’t have any money, but she worked hard every day taking care of us. We always had food on the table.”
Growing up in Chicago, Yolanda lost many other people to gang violence and drugs, including her brother. Both she and her children have seen horrible things that people should not have to witness.
She moved to Alabama for awhile, but when things were not working out her now adult children living in Michigan convinced her to come live with them. She tried that and appreciated their efforts, but Yolanda knew it was time for her to take care of herself. One who had always put other people first, she finally said: I have to do this for me!
When she was working at a local restaurant and hotel yet still unable to support herself, a co-worker suggested she check out our Mission. Against her family’s wishes, Yolanda entered Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. Though she’d been told to expect negative things so was on the lookout for them, to her surprise she didn’t find one of them! “I guess it was what the other people were or weren’t doing when they were here. You all are amazing! Miss Rachel keeps me on my toes.”
Yolanda puts 100% into everything she does. She is one of the hardest working ladies I have worked with and has stayed patient and positive through all of the uncertainty COVID-19 has brought.
– Rachel Wise, Women’s Shelter Director
“I don’t have to worry about where my next meal will come from, where I’ll lay my head, or even if I have a toothbrush. Basic things are taken care of and I’m saving money! I love to work and I’m working on my credit, plan to get my GED, and maybe college. I hope to one day own a restaurant or a food truck and my own home. I want a place for my grandchildren to visit.”
When asked how she’s been able to get through all she’s endured and remain hopeful and grateful, Yolanda quickly says: “God! I get through everything with prayer.”