Her Story

Joseph’s House is a place where pregnant and parenting women can rewrite their stories. Her Story tells you a little about women who have lived at Joseph’s House, some current and some previous residents. Each woman has her own unique experience to share.

Each woman who enters our home allows Joseph’s House to be part of her story and each woman becomes a part of the Joseph’s House story too. We become family for so many and so many become family to us.

We hope that by reading these short stories it provides some understanding of “living in her shoes,” of why she chose Joseph’s House, and the impact time at Joseph’s House can have on changing the life of one woman and her child.

We have learned that we, as an organization, are the most successful when a woman does the hard work. We provide a home full of faith, hope, love, courage, and prudence, but the hardest work is completed by the women who come to Joseph’s House determined to discover their own God-given potential.

A Little Wiser

In 2023, a baby was not part of Sarah’s plan as she thought about her future. She was living with a sister that she didn’t get along with and was just keeping busy and doing “my own thing.”

When Sarah discovered she was pregnant she went for an ultrasound. The minute she saw her little one she decided he would be her future.

Sarah moved into Joseph’s House believing it would be like other shelters she had been to in the past. “Loud, cramped, suffocating, full of people and things but a lonely place to be.”

It took some time to adjust, but after a few months (which felt like a lot longer) Sarah realized she was in the right place.

Sarah had her little boy and within 6 months he was in daycare and she was working full-time. Although the structure was tough, Sarah says it helped her find meaning and purpose in her day and knew it would help when she moved to an apartment with her son.

To anyone thinking of living at Joseph’s House, Sarah offers this advice after living there for a year and a half. “Don’t overthink coming here. You might feel stuck but take some time. You’ll improve a lot. You’ll walk in broken and walk out new and improved, you’ll be a new woman.”

I Know Who I Am

The girl who pulled up that first day didn’t know who she was at all. That’s how Kate explained her state of mind when first coming to Joseph’s House in the fall of 2021.

She had a new baby and had moved from her home state for an opportunity to start a new life. Kate left an abusive relationship and knew her best chance to truly change her future and that of her son’s was to start down a new path.

At first Kate shares how hard it was to adjust to a new home and new rules. There were times when she didn’t want to work with staff and times she thought it would be better to leave than stick it out at Joseph’s House.

Within 6 months something began to happen. She started to see things in a different way. Kate wanted to find a job that could lead to a career, a better life.

Over time Kate found a stable and supportive job at a local bank. She slowly worked her way to full-time and eventually even moved up in her role at the bank.

It wasn’t just the job that made a difference in Kate’s life. While at Joseph’s House she began to share with staff about her past experiences, the life she had before moving to NY, and she realized she didn’t want to live the same life she had before. Healing from those experiences was her next step and she was determined to do the work.

Kate moved from our home on Danforth St to the one on Court St. Then she was one of the first women to move into our Transitional Apartments. There she continued to work, save her money, care for her son, and to heal and grow herself.

After almost 3 years at JH Kate decided she was ready for her next step. She knows who she is, who she wants to be, and she has a plan to get there. She continues to raise her son, surrounded by healthy relationships and is continuing her education in the medical field. Even now, when things seem tough, Kate reaches out to former moms and staff for support and love.

God Never Left

My life before coming to Joseph’s House was draining and chaotic. I aged out of the foster system and had no supports. I didn’t have a home to go to, bouncing around from friend, family, shelter, even the streets. Emotionally I was drained, physically I was tired but spiritually I always remained calm and humble. I knew God never left my side.

I was nervous when I arrived at Joseph’s House. I didn’t know who to trust at first. I know the staff are there to help me so I eventually let my guard down because I wanted to help myself as well. I’m a lot more comfortable after being here for a while. I’m motivated and want to be successful. Joseph’s House has given me a chance to relax mentally while I work toward my goals. I’m more independent and I have to make change because I want a better life.

Everyone I’ve met at Joseph’s House has made a difference. I want a home for me and my daughter. I am working toward getting my High School Diploma. I want to go to college and have a stable job. My hope for the future is having a life in order, having a happy and peaceful life.

Breaking Point

Before Joseph’s House my life was very chaotic. I felt like I was at my breaking point. I tried my best to keep my daughter safe but it was hard. When I arrived I felt a lot of things. I felt scared, anxious, embarrassed… I never wanted my life to be like this and I never wanted to be in a shelter.

Since coming to Joseph’s House I noticed I’m becoming a more gentle mom to my daughter. I realized that I was parenting like my mom was and it was not okay. It was breaking me apart. It’s still a learning process but I know I can get through it. I’m still hesitant sometimes but I am learning a lot about how I react and think about different things.

My hope for the future is to live in my own home with my daughter, to take my passion for cosmetology to the next step in my life by owning my own salon. I don’t want my daughter to ever have a need or want in her life. I want to be able to provide my daughter with the things I didn’t have.

Circles

I was going in circles before I came to Joseph’s House. My family had my back but other times they turned their backs on me. It made me feel like nothing. I was unsafe and my child’s father was harassing me and putting his hands on me. I came to Joseph’s House feeling defeated and this was my only way out.

It’s hard to get used to all the rules and regulations while living here. There’s also a lot of support and lots of nice things. I’m not used to so many people being around all the time but I feel very welcomed. I am learning to stop running from my problems. I have grown, I’m learning patience, and not to rush life or only focus on the bad things. When my daughter met another little girl they immediately became friends. It brought me and her mom close and has allowed me to become closer to other women here.

I want to get better at the way I parent my daughter. Someday I want a good job and to be stable enough to start over again, to start a life of my own.

24/7

Life was scary before I came to Joseph’s House. I was scared every day and I was emotionally drained from having to be on alert 24/7. When I first arrived it was overwhelming and there was a lot going on. I understood that this was a part of life and I preferred being at Joseph’s House than where I was before.

Since being here I feel like I’ve grown a little bit. I’m trying to repair some of the past to get my son back in my life more and I’m starting to work toward my GED. Meeting with the staff and talking with them has been important for my growth, it has made a difference in my time here.

When I think about my future it includes my two kids. It means having my own place and a great job as a Certified Nursing Assistant. I will provide for myself and my kids even when it’s hard.

From Nothing To Everything

"I came with nothing and left with everything."

Laura moved to JH after living on the streets, entering rehabilitation, then living at a halfway house for 6 months. She had a $1 in her pocket and a backpack full of clothes when she moved to JH, expecting her baby the next month.

"I was able to continue to work on myself while at Joseph's House... The staff were family and the house was a home. For so long I didn't have a bed to sleep in."

Laura lived at JH for 1 1/2 years. She is parenting her 2 young children, working full-time, and thriving in her independence. She has reunited with her family and continues to be a part of the Joseph's House family. Her best friend is also a former JH mom, they frequently talk and are a support for each other.

Monica's Miracle

Monica came to Joseph's House from NYC. She was pregnant, had a 13-month old son, and had been evicted from her apt. Before she had completed her intake at Joseph's House, she was found passed out in her room due to a severe case of eclampsia. Her heart stopped 5 times and she lost large amounts of blood, then spent the next 7 weeks in and out of consciousness in the hospital with JH Staff at her side.

After 56 days, Monica returned to JH and was reunited with her 2 sons. She spent more than 18 months caring for her sons, working toward her education, and reuniting with family in Ghana and the U.S. She obtained a professional position at a non profit organization and moved with her sons in October 2020.

Monica's strong faith in God helped her through the hardest times, she expresses gratitude for the opportunity to live at JH and to know that the staff will always be there no matter how long she's been away.

It Starts With You

"The choice to stay with him, either I was going to die or I was going to end up losing my kids".

I decided to go to Joseph's House when I was about 5 months pregnant and I decided to keep my daughter... I wanted to keep her and I had nowhere to go... I had my 14 month old son and I was homeless...

The best part of Joseph's House was working on myself. It's not easy to make those changes. First you have to acknowledge what you have to change... and you have to work on it every single day.

They take care of each individual person in the house with love and guidance. They respect you, they just want to see you succeed. Joseph's House is a blessing. To have the opportunity to come here and work on yourself, to change generation after generation because it starts with you and then it spreads to your kids... you may change the future and the world, just with a little bit of love and caring...

DeeDee moved out of Joseph's House more than 3 years ago. She is raising her 3 children, managing a full-time job and a home. She is an amazing example every day of what love can do to change lives.

Dignity & Respect

"...During my journey I've become more connected to God..."

A* came to JH with 2 toddlers after leaving an abusive relationship. She was on the path to completing her 4-year degree and states

"I certainly had...doubts of whether I could survive..., but I figured trying and failing would be a much better option..."

"I am certain I will always look back on my journey with JH with heartfelt gratitude. They empowered me with dignity and self-respect..."

A* shared about the importance of her Muslim faith and found the staff to be loving and supportive. She left JH after completing her degree, she was reunited with her extended family and continues to work full-time and care for her 2 young children.

It's A Blessing

"Being a mom is the world to me"

Danielle is full of energy, she is warm, kind and knows how to make others feel accepted. She leaves encouraging quotes and messages on a communication board for her housemates and staff every morning.

"Joseph's House is a place that is helping me learn to handle things on my own, and become a better mom, and more independent. It's a blessing."

Being at Joseph's House isn't always easy, after staying a few months, Danielle left with her son. She has struggled with addiction for years. After realizing this was not the life she wanted for herself or her son, she returned to Joseph's House.

Danielle is working on her recovery as well as herself. She says she loves Joseph's House and that it's a blessing. Danielle is a blessing to those around her, she is a support for her peers, a caregiver at her job, a bright light wherever she goes, and a wonderful mom to her beautiful son.

Starting New

Monique came to live at JH. She was shy, had 2 children under 5, and was pregnant. She had left an abusive situation and was completely displaced. She needed a safe place to live and start new.

After months of living at JH, Monique came out of her shell and began to be known for her big smile and happy disposition. Everyone loved her and the kids.

Monique studied for her GED and attended job skills training as she began to rebuild her life. She became a great mom, obtained a good job, and was able to put money away while she attended therapy and started a new life. She learned to trust people and enjoy time with her children. She reconnected with family and was able to move to South Carolina where she has the support of family. She is currently working full time and enjoying her independent life. She keeps in touch and often sends updates to staff.

Larger Than Life

Natasha and Johnny moved to JH when he was 2 weeks old. Natasha was in recovery and waiting for an apartment through a different agency in Syracuse.

She soon moved out into that apartment but had to return when the program funding fell through. Natasha worked toward her education, she restored relationships with family, all while caring for her young son.

For more than 2 years, Natasha has worked full-time to support and raise a strong family and remains committed to sobriety. Almost 7 years later Johnny still visits JH, filling the hallways with his friendly greetings and larger than life personality.

Helped Me Grow

"Joseph's House helped me grow so much as a woman and mother."

I went to Joseph’s House as a pregnant woman with a toddler and no place to go.

I felt so secure at Joseph's House, with a safe place to speak and check in weekly with staff. I felt happy knowing my son had a safe daycare. I didn't have to worry about being able to afford a safe home on my own.

I can’t imagine life without Joseph’s House in my story. I know they touch the lives of many, and I pray the house is around for many years because even today I still feel that I can talk to any member of Joseph’s house and know they are an amazing, uplifting support system.

The routine and tasks we were responsible for helped me develop a sense of prioritizing and the impact of a stable routine for my children as well as my own mental health. That routine that I settled in has helped me immensely even now, 5 years later.

Forgive myself

“I trusted people who didn’t have my best interest at heart but instead were really wishing for my downfall. I repeatedly ignored advice from my family and long-term friends to the point that I became estranged from my own mother. Due to my reluctance to see and believe what was right in front of me, I eventually lost everything and became a resident of Joseph’s House.

I am so appreciative of all the assistance I received from the staff at Joseph’s House. I came here angry and not believing in anything, let alone myself. Once I began utilizing the resources offered to me both here at Joseph’s House and in the community, I began to forgive myself for all the decisions I made. I started to believe that being a woman is a beautiful, beautiful thing. And most importantly, I knew I had to do better for myself and my son.

I am proud of all that I have done thus far to get to where I am. I am proud of the mindset I have now. I have a job I like and an apartment with all the necessities I need to create a home. I reconnected with my mom and now understand why she had to show me tough love. Throughout my whole ordeal, she never stopped believing in me. She is now my biggest support system, and we talk with each other every day!”

It's Been Hard But I Won't Give Up

Karen came to Joseph's House pregnant with her first child after both her and her boyfriend were homeless. Her boyfriend went into another shelter but would walk to Joseph's House every day to see Karen and spend time with her. Karen engaged with our Case Manager and began making plans for her future.

After reconnecting with her mother in New Jersey, Karen pursued an education and career as a beautician. Later this year, Karen will earn her Master Barber certification as she continues to thrive with her beautiful son. She receives support from her mom and acknowledges that things are not always easy but she is determined to not give up and to make a better life for her son.

A Calm And Happy Life

“With nowhere to go, I made my way to Joseph’s House.”

From ages 7 to 18, Octavia lived in 4 different households. She was uprooted due to a family member's substance use, then she entered the foster care system when another family member could not provide for her. Once she was settled in a home with a foster parent that wanted to adopt her, that parent had a life-altering health condition that made her unable to care for Octavia.

Once she turned 18, Octavia moved into an apartment with her friend. While working full-time she found out she was pregnant. Without the support of the child’s father, Octavia fought hard to make it on her own.

"I want to have a calm and happy life."

Octavia came to JH with her infant and lived for over a year. She obtained her High School Equivalency, paid off her debts, and strengthened her relationship with her son. Octavia continues to work toward her goals, for herself and her son. She is dedicated to her family and works hard to maintain her independence, being an example of love and generosity for her son every day.

No Place Like Home

Ayah was found in her apartment. She was being evicted, did not speak English, had a toddler, and was pregnant. Ayah came to the U.S. in an arranged marriage and always desired to return to her home country and her family. Her husband at the time had left her and her daughter weeks earlier, with no resources and no way to get food or supplies.

For the next year and a half Ayah learned English, she raised 2 little girls, and was able to arrange for the paperwork to return to Palestine.

She continues to share photos and stories of her life with staff. She has a loving husband and a growing family, living in the place she always desired to return to, her home.

This is His Story

Javier’s mom came to JH pregnant and directly from an in-patient treatment program. Javier celebrated his 1st birthday at JH. Soon after leaving JH, his mom relapsed and was arrested, and Javier was placed with his father Michael.

Michael and Javi continue to be a part of the JH family. Through the Exodus program, staff work with them to get needed items as Javi continues to grow, to be a social support, and to be a resource for anything from parenting to school supplies.

“Joseph’s house has been like a family to my son and I. They played a huge part in the beginning stages of my son’s development and they were there when I had no one else to turn to and needed help with basic essentials…! I would recommend this place to any [woman] that is struggling and needing help! They have been a true blessing in disguise and I thank God everyday for putting…Josephs House in my life!”

Working to Excel

For just over 2 years Danielle and her daughter called Joseph’s House their home. After leaving an abusive relationship that put herself and her daughter at risk of harm, Danielle became determined to work on her education and to heal from her past. She learned about healthy relationships and setting boundaries. She engaged with our Case Manager and in our life skills classes while working towards obtaining a better, more stable job that could support her and her daughter.

Over time, Danielle started at a grocery store and has now worked her way up to management. Danielle has mended her relationship with her father and stepmother and continues to excel both personally and professionally. Her daughter is turning into a strong, beautiful young lady who is excelling in school and life!