Eager to learn. Dedicated worker. These are words used to describe Marquita as she worked through the vocational training of the S.A.V.E program at Good Samaritan Rescue Mission.
But she had to overcome a lot of moving around, abandonment, and much abuse to get to this point. Marquita does not have any of her children with her due to different circumstances, fell into drug and alcohol abuse for a period, and literally lived under a bridge through an entire pregnancy.
Marquita has lived in several states, trying to find that peace and happiness. Eventually she moved to Michigan where friends offered her a place to stay. Unfortunately they did not turn out to be friends after all, and Marquita had to leave yet another abusive situation.
That’s when she arrived at the Mission just before Christmas. Marquita needed shelter but was thinking she would ‘just get back on (her) feet and then move on.’ She did not realize everything that would be available and thankfully she was open to learning new skills and retooling her future.
Working with her case manager after arriving in shelter, Marquita realized she could stay at the Mission and participate in the SAVE program. She quickly completed the Life Skills classes, eager to learn more. Next came the Jobs for Life mentoring program which she also happily completed.
Then she was presented with an option as she was ready to enter the final component, vocational training. With the option of learning how to work in a commercial kitchen or janitorial skills, Marquita chose janitorial. And that proved to be a decision she felt was guided by God.
Learning the trade of janitorial care with the help of Tom Hodder, Vocational Trainer, Tom says, “Marquita was always very energetic, sometimes working after hours. She really put her heart into this.”
Just celebrating her 30th birthday and completing the vocational training, Marquita is getting ready to move into her own apartment. “Marquita has demonstrated an infectious, enthusiastic drive to resolve her homelessness situation,” says Craig Laszlo, GSRM Operations Director.
Of what she found at GSRM, Marquita says, “I didn’t think I would get this much help. Thank you for everything.” Supported by a home church that she loves, Marquita is looking forward to being able to put her energy into pursuing her new dream, her own business to go with her new apartment.