Jonna and her daughter's story

Tamra

I have a 9 year old son named Ethan. When he was a week old, I came to Almost Home in June of 2010. Prior to entering the program, my mother, brother and I lived in motels all over the city of St. Louis. It was very difficult for me as a teenager. My father was incarcerated when I was 13 years old. I dropped out of high school my freshman year because we lost our apartment and moved so often. I went without the basic necessities all the time, so I turned to the streets. At the age of 16 I ended up getting pregnant not knowing where to turn. I found Almost Home in the phone book and it ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me! I was grateful that I would be able to raise Ethan in a healthy, safe environment. I prayed for God to help me and God answered my prayers! I got signed up at the St Louis Job Corps Center taking up a trade in Culinary Art. After a long hard 10 months, I graduated with my High School diploma and trade certificate in Culinary Arts. I also received my driver’s license.