Each year, Just in Time honors participants in the categories of Confident, Capable and Connected at our My First Home for The Holidays Celebration. Participants are nominated by volunteer coaches whom they have been paired with in various services. Below, is an excerpt from the speech Janae gave as she accepted the “Confident” award. 

I was introduced to Just in Time about one year ago by a JIT alumni. I became connected and joined services like Financial Fitness, Pathways to Financial Power, My Life My Story and Basic Needs. These resources have helped change my life in so many ways.

I have faced many challenges that I never thought I could overcome. I have experienced every type of abuse you could think of. I lost my mother at the age of 8 and grew up not knowing my dad.  

It was then that I knew everything moving forward would be on me.

I have been incarcerated, hit rock bottom, and have been left alone to figure out this thing called life. To this day, it seems unreal –  the person I have grown up to be, the things I have overcome, and the many goals and achievements I have made.

The different workshops at Just in Time have helped shape and develop me in many ways.

Pathways taught me to value myself, my qualities, and acknowledge the skills I have within. This showed me that I could go after any career I want in life with the foundation of an elevator pitch, a well put together resume, and that one opportunity to give it all you got.

I have now negotiated a raise every 3 months and am in high standing and a valuable asset to my company. I have found passion for helping children navigate many challenges with neurodevelopmental disorders. I am proud to be a behavior therapist, which is one step closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.  

My Life, My Story taught me how important it is to share and own my story with the world around me – to show that there is power and beauty in the struggle. I have been surrounded by beautiful and strong women that have uplifted me and provided me with something I’ve never had, something that means so much to me: 

Sisterhood. 

Basic Needs has pulled me out of some really dark places that I didn’t know I could get out of. Always providing me with what I needed when I needed it. I am truly blessed to have been able to push through some nights of not knowing when I’d receive my next meal or pay my bills.

Confidence has helped me to manifest the life I have today and the life I will live in the future. 

Confidence has been the light at the end of the tunnel. Confidence has shown me that it’s okay to ask for help, to receive, and to advocate for yourself. My life has been built on my desire and passion to show others how far confidence, resilience, and strength can take you.