Ciera wanted something different for her family: “Throughout my life, my surroundings
have always been unstable, and I didn’t want that for my kids.” Her two sons, Ja’Karri and
Londyn, were toddlers when she arrived at Atlanta Children’s Shelter, and already, Ciera
was committed to making a better life for them. Ciera just wants “to keep my children in
a stable, structured environment and to be the best mom I can be.”
Ciera’s proudest achievement is “the family that I created.” She describes her oldest son,
Londyn, as “incredibly smart and loving” child who “wants to know anything about
everything.” Ciera sees Ja’Karri as a “firecracker who will tell you what he needs you to
know” but also as “the sweetest little boy.” However, when first starting at ACS, Ciera’s
kiddos were encountering behavioral challenges, and she was concerned. Our Early
Childhood Education (ECE) staff linked Ciera with our play therapist, leading to free
behavioral health assessments and play therapy sessions for both Londyn and Ja’Karri.
Ciera says, “I was honestly shocked at the support I got from their teachers and staff.
It was/is more than [the support] I got from my own family.” She accepted every ounce
of help she was offered so that her children could have the best life possible. Now, Ciera’s
kiddos have become “more confident [and] vocal. They communicate their wants and
needs [and] interact better with other kids.” Ciera feels gratitude for our ECE staff, “They
have done an AMAZING job keeping and educating my children. Even though there were
many dark moments, they . . . did more than their part to make sure my kids didn’t feel
any of that and remained kids.”
While her children were safe in the hands of our qualified staff, Ciera was able to focus
on securing a career and housing. “I still can’t believe I found housing,” Ciera says. She’s
also working towards her cosmetology license and maintains a job in the food service
industry. It’s been a difficult journey, but at every step, Ciera has chosen something
different—a better life for her family.
Your donation will help empower families like Ciera’s, families wanting to strengthen
their stability and long-term self-sufficiency. You’ll support kiddos like Londyn and Ja’Karri
with the resources they need to strengthen their future. With your gift, you’ll join the
community dedicated to building generations of strength. Will you make a gift today?
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