Success Stories

Literally, success is the favorable termination of a venture. Success at Jackson-Feild Homes means making progress, overcoming difficulties or obstacles and conquering the fears that cripple young lives. Success means many things to many people, but the following are real-life examples of how our programs have given second chances to many at-risk young women:

Ashley's STory

More than anything, a graduate stands as a testament to the power of our services.   Ashley, 20, who has been with Jackson-Feild Homes since August, 2004 was packing her belongings and preparing to move into an apartment living program.  Ashley originally came to Main Campus and stayed until graduating to the Independent Living Program at Eleventh House in Richmond.
    While at Eleventh House, Ashley graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and began attending classes at J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College.  While in college, Ashley worked a part time job and took 12 credit hours per semester.
    When asked what her goal was for herself in five years Ashley said, “Hopefully I will be finished with school. And, hopefully I will have my own house, not a mansion, but a nice little house.”
    We plan to keep in touch and find out how she is doing.  Ashley has also set short term goals and says of her next year,  “ I want to keep up my grades, buy my first car, and move out on my own.”

Crystal's Story

Recently the staff at JFH had the opportunity to sit down with an alumna to see how she was doing.  Crystal (West) Jones lived at Jackson-Feild from 1998 to 2001 beginning at the Jarratt Campus and eventually ending at Eleventh House. 
     Since leaving Jackson-Feild Crystal has become the mother of a beautiful daughter and is expecting a son this month (at press time, Crystal was still waiting for her new son to arrive).  When asked how she found the skills to raise her daughter, Crystal replied, “I’m just raising her the way I wish I had been raised.”    
      While at Eleventh House and after graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School, Crystal began working part-time and attending J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College eventually earning her CNA.   When Crystal left Eleventh House she first rented an apartment nearby so she could maintain contact with the staff. 
     For the last several years she has been working for the Hospice of
Virginia.  On her job, Crystal comments, “I love working with people and I love geriatrics.”  Since becoming pregnant, she has been working on the administrative side of the Hospice, but looks forward to moving back into direct care.
   Crystal credits part of her success to the budgeting skills she learned in JFH’s Independent Living program stating that she, “felt prepared for living on her own.” 
     Crystal continues to thrive as an adult and is appreciative of her time at Jackson-Feild.  She is happily married and living in Richmond’s West End. She vows to stay in touch and let us know how she is doing.
    
Crystal agreed to share her story in a recent interview as part of the national StoryCorp project sponsored by the  Community Idea Stations 88.9 NPR affiliate.  Crystal was interviewed by Becky China, JFH’s Executive Director.