Paths of Resilience

18. It is the age a person is considered an adult. Many young people are thrust into “the real world” after they turn 18, and expected to figure out life on their own “because they are adults.”

The journey forward in life does not come with an easy and exact formula for success or happiness. Every young adult must learn, adapt, grow, fail, and more often than not, fail again. Figuring out one’s footing through adulthood requires a lot of guidance and grace.

Methodist Children’s Home (MCH) continues to answer the call for support through the Transition Services (TS) program by empowering and equipping young adults to reach their full potential and flourish in God’s plan for their life. Each person’s journey is unique and the staff at MCH meets young adults where they are and walks alongside them, however long it may take, on their paths of resilience.

Jessica

Jessica’s journey with MCH began in 2010. As a teenager going through significant conflict with her mother at the time, Jessica thought becoming an MCH resident “was the worst thing” that could have happened to her then.

Today, Jessica views her care at MCH differently. Fourteen years after her initial admission into MCH programs, Jessica expresses immense gratitude for the fervent support she continues to receive from the ministry.

“MCH definitely saved my life and opened a lot of doors for me,” the 29-year-old said. “I really think my placement as an MCH resident was perfect timing. My relationship with my mom probably would have been irreparable if it weren’t for this ministry, and my faith life has only grown since it started at MCH.”

After graduating from high school while at MCH, Jessica enrolled into the TS After Care program, through which she was provided case management support and awarded scholarships as she advanced her education at Hill College.

“A lot of opportunities came about through TS because my family did not know how to guide me in my collegiate journey, and MCH was there to support me through all of it – even my pitfalls,” Jessica shared.

After a few months at Hill College, Jessica decided to move to Waco. She began attending classes at McLennan Community College (MCC) while living at the Clay Commons Apartments owned by MCH. Not long after starting at MCC, Jessica chose to pursue a different path.

“I wanted to become a truck driver,” she said. “I obtained my CDL license and was on the road for three years. My TS case manager still kept up with me even though I wasn’t in school anymore. They were able to arrange to have my CDL license test paid for.

“And then, after three years on the road, I called my case manager and told them I was having a tough time,” Jessica continued. “I decided to return to Clay Commons Apartments and resume my education at MCC.”

Jessica graduated with her associate’s degree from MCC and decided to pursue a career in nursing. Months before she was to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in nursing, Jessica’s needs and motivations changed.

“I became pregnant with my son, Jèvon, during my last semester at MCC,” she said. “It was like a switch went off inside of me. I stopped smoking, drinking and everything became about doing what was best for my son – and MCH was there for me through it all.”

MCH staff continued to support Jessica by connecting her to community resources in Waco. Jessica was able to obtain six months of diapers, her son’s first car seat and a crib.

“Jessica was already ahead of the game in her planning when I took over her case,” said Alyssa Lopez, Jessica’s case manager. “She doesn’t come up with excuses even though she may have a lot going on. Jessica just keeps pushing.”

Jessica has successfully moved into an apartment with her son, who is now 19-months-old. After her move, Jessica decided to switch degree plans and pursue social work. She is on track to graduate with her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in May 2025.

“I’m a full-time online student and working from home full-time, which means my son is with me all of the time, too,” Jessica said with a laugh. “It’s a lot and I would not have it any other way. I realize I could have gone down a totally different path if it were not for MCH. I am thankful God’s plan for me has included this ministry for the last decade of my life. It may have taken me a long time to get to where I want to be, but I’m doing it.”

And Jessica is doing it well. She recently made the Dean’s List for her academic success and hopes to pursue a graduate program for counseling with a goal to serve domestic violence victims and recovering addicts.

“I know children are impacted by the health of their parents and their household situations,” Jessica said. “I want to help adults and connect them to resources, like others have for me.”

Lopez admires Jessica’s resilience as a young mother.

“What makes me most proud of Jessica is not only her grit, but her approach to motherhood,” Lopez said. “She is doing well balancing everything, and her drive to be the best mother for her son is very impressive.”

Jessica is looking forward to walking the graduation stage in the spring, a moment she has been preparing for over the last decade.

“My son is my motivation,” Jessica said, as Jèvon climbed into her lap. “MCH helped me become a better, more mature person before I became a mother. I’m thankful to know I always have someone I can call at MCH, regardless of what I need. Our relationships are awesome and a blessing.”

The Transition Services program staff are steadfast in their care. In every choice, challenge and change throughout Jessica’s time with the program, staff have remained committed to empowering and equipping her so she can live life to the fullest as a proud mother and future social worker.

Emely

Thousands of youth across the country have no one to depend on. Alone and without a reliable caregiver, many are forced to “grow up” prematurely to focus on their survival. That was true for Emely.

“When I was in high school, my teachers noticed I was missing a lot of classes,” said Emely. “They thought I was just skipping class, but I was actually working three jobs and struggling to find a place to stay. I didn’t really have anyone else to rely on but myself. I was just trying to make it.”

The homeless student population specialist for Waco Independent School District met with Emely and came up with a game plan.

“They connected me to MCH in 2022 and I became part of the Independent Living Program (ILP),” Emely said. “Because I was 18, I moved into the Clay Commons Apartments and finally was able to focus on school. Before I became part of ILP, I honestly did not have hope that I would graduate from high school. Now I have a safe space of my own and a strong support system. I feel I have a family here.”

Emely graduated from high school a few months after moving into her own apartment. Her MCH case managers also helped Emely obtain her driver’s license, an essential need for every independent adult.

Other ways MCH supports Emely include financial assistance, budgeting and career planning. After weighing different options with her case managers, Emely is going after a new goal.

“I want to become a police officer, but I have to wait until I’m 21 to enroll in the police academy,” Emely said.

In the meantime, the now 20-year-old is preparing to attend the Tele-Communicator Academy at McLennan Community College, where she will learn how to answer and respond to emergency phone calls.

“I think learning how to handle emergency situations will prepare me for what I will face later as a police officer. I want to be proactive in pursuing my career so I can help others in my community.”

Emely’s case managers commend her resilience and strong work ethic as she continues to persevere in life.

“Whenever Emely is met with a challenge, she immediately pivots and starts thinking of alternative solutions,” said Taylor Lewis, Emely’s Transition Services case manager who is assisting her in her academic journey. “Everything we’ve talked about when it comes to her career is about helping people. She already has the willpower and faith, and we’re providing her the tools and resources to guide and empower her along the way.”

The TS staff equip young adults in various ways.

“This team is unique in their flexibility and grace, and how they go beyond what they are called to do and how they serve,” said Marissa Smith, assistant vice president for programs.

Crystal Vela, ILP case manager, recalled receiving a phone call from Emely earlier this year.

“Emely told me she had been in a car accident involving a semi-truck in Waco and the other staff and I immediately jumped into action,” Vela said. “We all got into a van and went to the hospital. She had some bruises, but she was OK.”

Emely recalled knowing in that moment she could rely on the MCH staff.

“Whenever life throws something at me and I have no one else to turn to, I know I can always count on them,” Emely said.

Emely’s car was totaled. The accident left behind a situation that would have seemingly pushed Emely’s progress toward independence backward. But it didn’t. She kept going.

“I had to get another car and start on payments all over again,” Emely said. “I’m thankful MCH and the staff continued to lift me up after that situation.”

Emely described how she has felt a weight has been lifted off of her shoulders since enrolling in ILP.

“This is a great place to receive love and support,” she said. “MCH is a blessing and I am grateful for the ways the staff continues to equip me. I have always been a determined person, but I had a lot of doubts when it came to my dreams. What I have gained and learned here has helped me realize that if I continue to work really hard, I can achieve anything.”

Emely dreams of owning some land in the country where she and her future family can build their own home. Emely is building a strong foundation to successfully turn her dreams into her reality.

The staff at MCH hope every young person in care transitions into successful, independent adults, and acknowledges that each person’s success will look different. For Emely, her version of success is simple.

“I just hope to become better than where I came from,” she said. “I remind myself and others to keep moving forward and to not give up.”

Wendy

At just 8-years-old, Wendy emigrated from Mexico with her grandparents to El Paso.

They were searching for a better, safer life. The family dreamed of one day flourishing in opportunity.

“My grandparents have always supported me and encouraged me to do well in school,” Wendy said. “They knew my education would offer me more in life – more than what they had.”

Wendy explained it was difficult for her grandparents to work at their age and, therefore, the family struggled financially. Her grandparents knew they needed help.

“My grandfather was walking through a resource fair at my middle school and he came across the MCH Family Outreach table and met MCH staff,” she said. “We enrolled into their services and have been connected ever since. I was 12-years-old at the time and now I’m 22.”

Wendy believes it was in God’s plan for her family to meet MCH staff.

“The staff are my guardian angels,” she said with a smile. “MCH has always been there for us. If I needed school supplies or shoes, the MCH Family Outreach staff helped us get what we needed. They even connected me to a therapist since I experienced trauma at a young age living without my parents.”

After Wendy graduated from high school, the MCH Family Outreach team in El Paso connected her to the Transition Services program, which has expanded in recent years to assist young adults and families outside of Waco. Wendy continues to receive case management support and financial assistance, including the prestigious Albaugh Scholarship from MCH.

“Thanks to MCH, I feel I have been able to survive,” Wendy said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without this ministry’s support.”

Today, Wendy is studying information systems with a minor in finance and computer science at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). She hopes to pursue a career in cybersecurity.

Wendy explained how access to technology and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs is becoming more widespread throughout the El Paso community. She is part of the team introducing younger children to robotics and physics at a brand new STEM museum in the city.

“I am passionate about technology because I see the huge impact it has on our world,” Wendy said. “There is a demand for women in STEM and it makes me proud to teach others about these fields. Since I am bilingual, I am able to teach and help others without a language barrier.”

Wendy is a first-generation college student, and the proud Latina immigrant will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in May 2025.

“When I cross that graduation stage, it will mean I finally completed my life’s goal,” Wendy said, with tears in her eyes. “My grandparents made a lot of sacrifices for me to be able to have a better life and I am so grateful for them. My educational success is not only mine – it is theirs too.”After graduation, Wendy hopes to pursue the software engineering graduate program at UTEP. She explained the program is a scholarship-for-service degree plan in which the federal government will pay for her studies and employ her after she graduates with her master’s degree.

“I never thought I would be able to go to college at all,” Wendy said, “so having the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree is a huge blessing.”

Alyssa Lopez, Wendy’s TS case manager, said Wendy never lets her struggles hold her back from achieving her goals.

“Wendy is very grateful for every opportunity she receives,” Lopez said. “She is resilient in that she takes every situation and chance she gets and goes for it. Wendy has really become a strong woman and is embracing more of the world around her now.”

Lopez explained that part of her role as a TS case manager for Wendy, Jessica and others is to offer support in their post-collegiate journey.

“There is a lot of data that shows many college students graduate and don’t go into their degree field because they never make the next step,” Lopez said. “We help our young adults with their resumes and such, but we want them to take that first leap into their careers. Wendy has already taken that leap.

“As a first-generation college graduate myself, I know how hard it is to navigate that phase of life,” Lopez continued. “I’m proud of Wendy and how she continues to strive toward experiencing life to the fullest.”

Reflecting on the last decade of her life with MCH, Wendy shared that the support she and her family continues to receive is life-saving.

“MCH is a sign of hope when you don’t think there is any,” she said. “To anyone needing extra support, know there is always someone at MCH who is personally willing to help you. Do not give up; have faith and remember you will get through your situation, one step at a time.”