From Campus Care to College Care: Jessica's Story
When the children in our care desire to pursue college or vocational training after graduating from high school, we offer to help them obtain that goal by financially providing for their education and other needs. We call this College Care. It is a joy to support these students to follow their dreams, and we’ve found, it is just another way we can show Christ’s love to those we care for.
Jessica is one of these students who has worked hard and exceled throughout school, and we’re excited to share her experience with you, in her own words:
"I lived at the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes (ABCH) from the time I was eight years old, to eighteen when I graduated high school. Before I came to ABCH, I was a very broken child. I had endured a lot of pain and suffering from neglect and wasn’t given the support I needed.
When I came to ABCH, I was very scared, but they provided me with the love and nurture that every child is supposed to receive by their family. They provided me with the counseling I needed to process all the trauma I’d been through. They showed me what it truly is to be loved through God’s grace. The house parents, social workers, and even the office staff were so amazing.
ABCH was able to help me go to college and get not one, but two degrees. I recently graduated with my Masters degree in Social Work and am now a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and work as an intensive in-home therapist providing mental health therapy to struggling families in their homes."
We are so proud of Jessica and her accomplishments, and look forward to seeing how God continues to use her story to spread light and love to families in need.
Editor’s Note: Since the time this was originally published, we are happy to share the update that Jessica now serves on our team as a social worker in Decatur. We’re so thankful for all God has done in her life, and that He led her to serve children and families now through ABCH!