Finding Her Way: Jessica's Journey Through Pathway of Hope
For years, Jessica endured a difficult relationship marked by domestic violence and financial woes. It came to a boiling point in August 2022, when Jessica feared for her and her children’s safety around her ex-fiancé. During this terrifying moment, holding her newborn daughter, Jessica knew she needed to change take her life in a different direction. So, she called the police, which led to her ex-fiancé’s arrest, and she began searching for ways to rebuild her life and break the cycle of fear.
Jessica’s story is one of resilience, courage, and the strength of a community. Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Jessica moved to York County over 20 years ago. She now lives with her two children, ten-year-old Andrew and two-year-old Raina.
After making that fateful call and decision, her search for a way out led her to The Salvation Army York Corps in January 2022. From there, she was introduced to the Pathway of Hope (POH) program. POH is a program designed to empower and teach individuals like Jessica to break the cycle of poverty and create a better life for themselves and their families.
"I was introduced to The Salvation Army through my mom," Jessica recounts. "She then told me about this new program called Pathway of Hope, and I was willing to try it. I felt like I had nothing to lose."
Initially, Jessica only sought rental assistance to move to keep her current home and was unsure what to expect. However, through the guidance of POH Director of Social Services Norma Escobar and case manager Jody Herring, Jessica found more than just financial aid. In April 2023, she was officially enrolled in the POH program. She found mentors, friends, and a supportive community that helped her maneuver through her obstacles. Escobar and Herring became a strong presence in her life, offering her guidance, encouragement, and a sounding board when needed.
“Jessica is a go-getter and a very effective communicator while juggling multiple things at once,” Herring says. “She has improved at following through with the information and resources provided to her and has taken advantage of what POH has to offer.”
POH provided Jessica with more than just emotional support. The program connected her to essential resources, from counseling services to educational opportunities, and even helped her secure a job as a patient service representative at an urgent care center in York County. The program’s impact extended to her children. They benefitted from the supportive environment with the help of Jessica’s first case manager, Escobar, who became a trusted figure in her children’s lives, providing them emotional support and connecting them with community outlets like afterschool programs and summer camps.
Another POH benefit for Jessica was the sense of safety and security they provided. Even when her ex-fiancé was released from jail and posed a threat to her and her family, the program offered her peace of mind. The staff at POH checked in weekly, ensuring Jessica and her family were safe, and made sure she had everything she needed to protect herself.
According to Herring, cases like Jessica's display what POH is all about.
“Caring for our families' needs as they continue to grow stronger while developing healthy relationships based on trust, respect, understanding, and open communication is what makes this work,” Herring says. “That is why POH is important, and why people are inquiring about what we can do. It takes a village, and we are that village.”
For Jessica her life looks vastly different from the one she escaped a year ago. Today, she is on a path of healing and empowerment. She continues to work towards furthering her education and providing a stable and loving home for her children. Her story is a testament to the life-changing impact of the POH program.
"I'm so grateful for the Pathway of Hope program and the support I've received," Jessica says. "It's given me a second chance, and I'm determined to make the most of it."