“Don’t let nothing or nobody stop you from dreaming,” was Pastor Bernice Garner’s message to 35 homeless women dressed for success at Gateway Homeless Services’ first annual homeless women career fair on Oct. 15.
“Nothing is out of your reach,” said Garner, who shared her own story of pain and promise.
Pregnant at 18, Garner pulled herself out of the Pruitt-Igo housing projects and through college, where she graduated in half the typical time. Married three times and raising three boys, she said she never stopped dreaming. Her dream carried her all over the world to places like Africa, Greece, Hawaii and Alaska.
“The only difference between me and you is my dream and your dream,” she said. “I had to realize that the best is already in me.”
A handful of professionals in education, real estate, business and cosmetics joined Garner to pour some hope in the broken vessels and let them know that their troubles are only temporary.
“I’m here to motivate them to be anything they want to be,” said hair stylist Toni Morrison. “I want to let them know that they ‘can’ because I’ve been there.”
Their stories inspired laughter, applause and tears. They cried out to those like 29-year-old Lashell Johnson, who aspires to be a police officer and help children who were abused or molested.
“I love kids and really understand them because I know what they are going through,” Johnson said. “I want to be able to make their lives a lot better than mine.”
The single mother of three left Gateway’s shelter in February.
“No matter how you fall, just get back up,” she said.
Equipped with resumes and a new look, the women made their first steps to a better life just by being there.
Their career choices varied from computer technologist to secretary, but many of them expressed the need to give back.
“It’s refreshing, and I am so thankful for this,” said Dameka, who wants to be an advocate for teenage girls. “I have something to strive for and want my baby to have something to fall back on.”
Each woman at the event received a jewelry gift on behalf of Gateway Homeless Services, the largest 24-hour emergency shelter for homeless women in Missouri.
“Being homeless is no different,” said Vickie Martin, GHS Volunteer Coordinator. “We just have a key to our house and they don’t.”
The shelter offers several classes including those on adult education, computers, sewing, nutrition, fitness, budgeting, hygiene and cooking. The idea for the career fair emerged from the life-skills course, in which residents learn employment tips to help them get secure, full-time employment.
“This event is different because it’s personal and they get step-by-step on how to achieve their goals,” said Toni Muhammad, GHS shelter supervisor.
Garner’s heartfelt speech ended the afternoon on a high note and proved motivational to those who were not even homeless.
She said: “Sometimes you have to laugh your way through some things. You have to see some good in the midst of everything else. You have to encourage yourself. Your greatest days are ahead of you.”
To volunteer with Gateway Homeless Services, visit www.gatewayhomeless.org or call Vickie Martin at 314-231-1515.