In Their Own Words
Because nobody says it better than the youth we serve. Azucena inspires us all to Keep. Moving. Forward.
Upcoming events
January 31:
Pathways
Initial Mixer Event
February 1: Financial Fitness 103 Tax Filing Workshop
February 6-11: Just in Time’s Welcome Back week
February 8: Financial Fitness 103 Workshop
Just in Time. What a perfect name for this family, organization and group of angels that I have had a chance to be connected with. My name is Azucena, Former foster youth, survivor of human trafficking and now a mother of Three!
I started life as an orphan and was adopted when I was 4. At 11 years old, through a series of unfortunate events, I lived in a safe house for my own protection and several group homes as a ward of the court. I was on that “not so fun” merry go round of the Foster care system until I turned 18. Exiting the system I found myself in an endless amount of toxic abusive controlling relationships and ultimately got pregnant in my senior year of high school. And had a second daughter 4 years later on my own.
I first got connected to JIT back in 2018, Unfortunately I wasn’t able to join many services as they were in person and I had my second by this time and didn’t have childcare or anyone to watch my kids. Even so, I was still offered help, advice, food, and of course a safe space.
At that time, I connected with Aiden, Kyra and Monica. They had an impact on me that I will never forget. A few years went by and I started wondering if I was still eligible to receive help at 26. I walked in and I started an application for all the services I could participate in. Because of Covid, everything was virtual and much more convenient for me. From those challenges I’m standing in front of you beautiful people and moving forward. I have been grateful to be a part of JIT. I have successfully participated in My First Home, Financial fitness 102 & 103, Pathways to Financial Power, the Shark Tank competition, JIT’s parenting community, FAYCES, and College Bound.
A key point of my success has been a phrase I learned, stuck with, and repeated to myself for as long as I can remember.
It’s these three simple yet powerful words :
“Keep Moving Forward”
I repeated these words through every challenge I ever faced. And I repeat them especially for my daughters. I wanted to do better for them and show them in every possible way what it meant to Keep Moving Forward.
The other key to my success has been the connections I have made through Just in Time. My special connections, all of whom have touched my heart in different ways; who have stayed in contact with me; who care; and who I can genuinely call on for advice or anything.
Thank you for believing in me and not giving up on me.
