Celebrate a Mother’s Day story of resilience with Jamillah—from homeless teen to proud mother of four—made possible by Covenant House New Jersey’s support for young moms overcoming homelessness.
From Homelessness to Hope: Jamillah’s Story
This Mother’s Day, Covenant House New Jersey honors the strength and courage of young mothers who rise above hardship. One of those mothers is Jamillah—a survivor who overcame abuse, homelessness, and fear to build a safe, stable future for her children.
Raised in Newark, Jamillah faced years of trauma in her home and ended up in foster care. At just 17, pregnant and on her own, she was left to survive on the streets—sleeping at Newark Penn Station, terrified and without support.
Everything changed when a social worker told her about Covenant House New Jersey. Though hesitant, Jamillah walked through our doors—and into a new beginning.
Raphael’s Life House: A Safe Haven for Young Mothers
Jamillah was welcomed into Raphael’s Life House, our specialized housing program for pregnant and parenting youth. Surrounded by peers with similar experiences, she found healing, stability, and the tools to prepare for motherhood.
With support from our caring staff, Jamillah began saving money, received prenatal care, and built the foundation for a better life for her baby. Jamillah said, “When I had my son, I promised him I’d give him the best life I could.”
A Future Reimagined
With courage and determination, Jamillah continued her education—earning her associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree from Rutgers, and later, a master’s in social work. Today, she works just steps from where her journey began, in a Newark charter school across from Covenant House.
She’s a proud mother of four—and a beacon of what’s possible when a young mother is given a second chance.
Help More Young Mothers This Mother’s Day
Your support makes this Mother’s Day story of resilience like Jamillah’s possible. Every donation provides shelter, counseling, educational resources, and critical support to young mothers working to break the cycle of homelessness.
