Vanessa finds encouragement in Psalm 139:14: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
She says this verse has taken on new meaning as she learns to see herself and her children as God created them: wonderfully made, worthy of love and deserving of the space to grow.
Vanessa came to Gracewood with her children after leaving a difficult and unsafe situation. While temporarily staying with family, she knew they needed a safe, stable place where they could heal and begin rebuilding.
She discovered Gracewood while visiting the school district website to register her children for school. What seemed like a chance discovery is something she now sees differently.
“Looking back, I believe it was the grace of God,” Vanessa shared. “I believe God led us here at exactly the right time.”
At Gracewood, stability has given Vanessa the opportunity to move beyond simply surviving and begin planning for the future. She says she is less anxious, more confident and better equipped to create the life she wants for her family.
She has also watched her children flourish. They are growing in confidence, learning to advocate for themselves and set healthy boundaries, and simply enjoying being children again.
“They’re laughing, dreaming, trying new things and believing that things are possible,” she said.
Building a Strong Foundation
Vanessa’s progress includes meaningful steps in her finances, education and career:
- Saved approximately $17,500 while paying down approximately $5,000 in debt.
- Earned her Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Studies with a minor in Business from the University of Houston-Downtown.
- Completed her Notary Public commission and is working toward her Paralegal Certificate.
- Expanded her professional role to Office Manager/Paralegal at a law firm.
She is preparing for the LSAT and plans to apply to law school, while continuing to build a strong financial foundation toward her long-term goals of homeownership and attending law school.
Today, Vanessa and her children are looking ahead with hope as they build a future filled with greater stability, opportunity and possibility.
