Watch Lenise's video

Overview

I need household items for my new apartment. This includes a mini fridge, lamp, bedspread set, rug, curtain and cleaning/laundry supplies.

I just moved into my own apartment. It's been almost 2 years living from relative to relative for 1 year & 10 months in shelters.

Meeting this need will help me because I need this to continue with my career and life goals. It will allow me to concentrate and stay focused on my school work coming up, my job search.

My current situation is I am a single mom of 2 adult sons. I'm currently job seeking and have just left the interim housing I have been in for the past 6 months to move into an SRO apartment of my own. I have been accepted to Truman College and begin my first college classes in January 2014 to become a nurse.

In spite of my current situation I will continue to stay focused and will also continue to have a positive attitude.

My goal is to complete my schooling program at Truman College and help me to become employed. However, I need reliable transportation for that.

I'm from Chicago & I'm attending college for the first time.

I have 2 sons: a 23 & a 19-year-old that I'm so proud of. My 23-year-old son is the father of my grandson, A.J. He takes care of his son & is responsible for himself by being employed. My 19-year-old son completed high school 2 years early at a military school. He's an aspiring rap artist. We all three will be starting college in January.

I volunteer at the best place ever: the Elam Davies Social Service Center where I assist guests with getting clothing, food, and doing administrative work. I attend New Life Covenant Church and volunteer as a greeter and an intercessor prayer warrior. I pray for others. I'm happiest when I get to help other people.

Something interesting about me is that I've worked out every day since 2007 & have lost over 100 pounds.

Watch Jill's video

Validated

Validated by Jill from Chicago Lights: Elam Davies Social Service Center (What does this mean?)

We met when she came to our center for our services. After she received clothing, food & toiletry items she turned & said I'd like to help others here!

I think meeting this need is important because she has worked so very hard this past year on her goals of getting into school, being housed, & I know, before long, a job too. In her spare time she came in & worked alongside staff, assisting our guests in our clothing closet & food pantry & gave back in ways she could to help others. Now I'd like to see others helping her out, too.

She's energetic, full of life, always there for others, a bright smile on her face even when there were tears in her eyes. Her motivation goes to infinity as even though she walks everywhere it's not held her back!

About Jill

My job title is Volunteer Program Manager, which is doing everything that needs to be done.My work involves assisting our guests with Housing First, getting them linked with other programs, agencies or referrals so they can look to their futures. I also coordinate our volunteers in our center & … Read more