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HEALTHY PRACTICES & WELLBEING

Welcome to JIT!

We're excited to meet you! More than half our staff are former foster youth, many of us have participated in JIT’s services. We understand first-hand the challenges that each of us face on our path to self-sufficiency. And we are proof that having essential resources and consistent relationships with caring adults can have a lasting positive impact. Reliable, Responsive Real– JIT peers, coaches and staff share a common commitment to empowering you. Welcome to YOUR new community.

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In 2022, when Kory left Pittsburgh for San Diego, he was leaving behind more than his hometown; he was leaving behind a dark period of uncertainty and betting on a better life. Having survived...

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When Monique joined Financial Fitness, she knew her relationship with money “wasn’t great.” Her bank account reflected this - bouncing up and down with her mood swings. “If I had a lump sum of cash...

In Their Own Words

by Omar Chavez | Oct 6, 2022 | WEEKLY WRAP UP

JIT'S Weekly Wrap Up Banner (4)

In Their Own Words

‘Fight and Come Back Stronger Than Before’

In Their Own Words

This week’s Weekly Wrap-Up features inspirational words of encouragement from Just in Time alumni Janelle Gonya.

Janelle was a JIT participant from 2015 to 2018. During her time as an active participant, Janelle engaged in Career Horizons, College Bound and Financial Fitness. She also received essential resources through our Basic Needs service, which provided her with critical help with auto insurance, groceries, and rent. Janelle recently reconnected with us on the JIT Network where she shared the following:

My name is Janelle! I am a JIT Alumni. I currently run and own a family childcare service at my home. I also bought my home as a single mother with 4 kids when I was 27!! I am still alive and thriving.

I grew up in foster care from the age of 12 when my mom passed away to drunk driving. I aged out when I was 18 years old, pregnant, and homeless. I didn’t know there were programs like Just in Time out there, and I struggled with homelessness and an unhealthy relationship.

When I found out about JIT, I was almost aged out of the services. However, the couple of years that I did get to spend within the JIT community made the difference I needed. They got me back on my feet and provided the tools I needed to start climbing to the top!

I can say that I am finally there!

I love sharing my story to help inspire all former and current foster youth. Know that your past or current situation does NOT define your future. You all deserve the best life, the life that you may never have had growing up. Now is your time to fight for everything and more! It is hard! I cried, screamed into my pillow, and wanted to throw in my towel so many times.

I struggled and kept hitting rock bottom! But I PROMISE you that if you keep fighting; you keep that drive; you WILL make it ????????

If I can do it, then so can you!!! Go out there and be great!!! Don’t ever lose sight of that! And don’t be afraid of failure! It is going to happen! Cry but get up – learn from it and come back stronger than before!

Love you all!!! ????

Janelle.