Kayla is a hard-working, motivated single mother who has been able to move from homelessness to self-sufficiency with help from Emmaus.
During her teen years, Kayla struggled emotionally, and she dropped out of high school after her junior year. A hard worker, she managed to support herself for several years working multiple part-time jobs in retail and food service. Eventually she moved into her boyfriend’s apartment.
Kayla was in between jobs when their relationship ended abruptly and she was forced to move out. Shortly afterward, she learned that she was pregnant. She spent a few months couch surfing at friends’ apartments and looking for work before she turned to Emmaus for help.
“I knew I had to grow up and Emmaus helped me do that,” she said.
Kayla moved into the Emmaus Family House and began taking GED courses. After giving birth to her daughter, Kayla had the opportunity to move into one of Emmaus’ permanent affordable apartments. While in Emmaus housing, Kayla earned her GED, and went back to school for phlebotomy and earned high honors. Three years ago she got a job at a local hospital.
Recently, Kayla was able to move out of Emmaus’ housing and into her own apartment. While she was excited about having her own in-unit laundry, a dishwasher, and a yard for her daughter, she was nervous about leaving the safety net of Emmaus.
“It’s definitely not easy, and it is scary,” she said. “I appreciate everything Emmaus did for me, and it was finally time for me to move on. They were there when I needed them and I am grateful for that.”