Renee* recently shared her 13 year journey that started at Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) at one of our fundraising events.
The 13 Year Journey Begins:
I am now 33 years old and from Jersey City. I have been a part of the Covenant House family for the past 13 years. The CHNJ staff often tells the kids to “look back into their rearview mirror, but don’t stare.” Sharing my story and reflecting on my past makes me realize how much I have accomplished since coming through the doors of Covenant House. It’s been painful and joyful but part of my journey.
Growing Up:
Growing up was challenging for me. My mother was addicted to drugs, and my father wasn’t around. My mother had eight children and didn’t take care of any of us. I grew up in three different foster homes until my Great Aunt took me and one of my brothers in. She passed away when I was nine years old, and then I bounced around again. When I was fourteen years old, I moved in with my oldest sister, who had two young daughters, and I was left to care for them for more than half the time. So I was a mother of two at the age of fourteen.
Finding Covenant House:
When I was eighteen, I had a mild stroke because of all of the stress at home and being in school. Having that mild stroke was traumatic. In all the madness, I still managed to graduate high school with a 3.2 GPA. After high school, I bounced around some more, trying to find my way. Eventually, I made it to Hudson County Community College. After all of my housing options fell through, I ended up homeless, sleeping on a park bench in Jersey City and still trying to attend classes. I knew education was the only way out of homelessness. It was the most horrifying experience of my life. I was scared, felt all alone, and was truly worried that someone would harm me. When I couldn’t keep it up any longer, I went for help and was referred to Covenant House. I will never forget the feeling of hopelessness as I slept on that cold, hard bench. In many ways, that haunting memory has motivated me to move forward.
I had never been to Newark, but coming to Covenant House was the best decision I have ever made. I started working and moved to the Rights of Passage program. The staff taught me how to cook, clean, and budget. Everything I needed to be able to take care of myself. I saved almost every dollar I earned. When I moved into my apartment, I had almost $10,000 in my savings account, which was a blessing because when I came to Covenant House, I had nothing. I am still in the same apartment that the Covenant House helped me secure. In 2013, I graduated from Hudson Community College with an Associate’s degree in early childhood education. It was a very proud moment as my Covenant House family surrounded me.
Life After Covenant House:
In the Fall of 2013, I began to pursue my Bachelor’s degree at St. Elizabeth’s in Morristown. I was supposed to graduate that following December with a degree in Education and Sociology. There were some challenges, and I had to take a break from school. I think about all of my past struggles – in many ways, it has helped me to grow into the young lady I am today. I have always helped others in my classes by sharing my unique perspective about life, challenges, and success.
My journey has not always been a straight road. In 2014, I hit a bump in the road. I was not sticking to my budget and got behind in my rent. I was at risk of losing my apartment. I had nowhere to turn and no family members that could assist. Covenant House was there once again to help. They did not give me a hand out, but a hand up. They held me accountable. They weren’t happy, safe to say. They were disappointed in me, and I know I was disappointed in myself. They gave me a loan to catch up with my rent. I agreed to pay Covenant House back $10 a paycheck and put $10 a week into savings. Naturally, this experience taught me an important life lesson, and I knew I would never be in that place again. I love my apartment. It brings me joy and keeps me safe, but most of all, it is my home.
I never gave up on my education. It was a very important goal for me to achieve. It took me 11 years to reach that goal but this past May, I am proud to share that I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. I graduated with a 3.77 GPA. I did it! I am equally excited to share that I got accepted into the Master’s program at Montclair State University for Child Advocacy. I will start classes in January. Yay!
My path has been different than many others, but my goals and dreams are no different. I have been a Pre-K teacher for the last 8 years. I figure it’s the best way to give someone the childhood I never had. My physical health has been an area of focus and priority for me. I am committed to eating healthy and walking 4 miles each morning. I am also an avid traveler; I love visiting new places. I have worked hard to vacation in the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Curacao, and yes, Las Vegas. It is one of my favorites, but I only go there for the shows.
Gratitude:
I am grateful to Covenant House for their love, support, and guidance. However, it is also a wonderful group of people who support Covenant House. Many of you are in the room tonight. You have always encouraged and supported me, but most of all, you have wrapped around me with so much love. Covenant House community is filled with very special people who really care. I want to thank you all for attending the event tonight. You are investing in young people who need the support just like I did 13 years ago. It has been a tremendous blessing to be a part of this special community, and I can’t imagine where I might have been without coming through the doors of Covenant House New Jersey
* Renee’s story is real, but her name and likeness have been changed to protect her identity.
