“The first night I lay on the bed and cried. Alexis was already upstairs with the other children having a ball. I looked at our room. There were two bunk bends and a dresser. I knew then I had to make a decision. I can get up and try to do what the program wants me to do and put my faith in God, or I can leave and live out of my car.”
No doubt the sounds of Alexis’ laughter drifting down the stairs helped Jan make that decision. “I knew when I took that first yoga class at Haven House there was hope. It was the first thing I had done for myself in years.” For four months she worked on budgeting, parenting, and all the other tough programs ForKids requires. Jan immediately got a job as a Bus Driver for Norfolk Public Schools. Alexis also dove right in and became part of all the programs ForKids offers.
Following success at Haven House, Jan and Alexis were accepted into ForKids’ transitional housing at “ Elizabeth Place”. They’ve lived in their own apartment for two years. “Having my own place meant everything.” Now that space will become a lot larger.
In November of 2006 ForKids staff encouraged Jan to apply for a Habitat for Humanity Home. On the day her divorce was final, Jan found out she and Alexis were among the 50 finalists. Then in March 2007 she received the word that she felt was sent from above. She and Alexis were going to get a home! “I felt like I had won the lottery. I never thought I’d get a home. I said, Lord if it’s meant to be…. I thank everyone for this blessing.”
