Testimonials and Updates
Hear Our Stories
House of Dawn supports young mothers to become independent and self-reliant. Our targeted population are young adults, ages 18 to 24 and enrolled in college, technical school or a workforce development program. Services include: student housing, childcare assistance, parent support groups, and educational supports so that young mothers can achieve educational goals, start careers, and begin leading independent lives.
Salaam's Testimony
Got her first car!
Sarah's Testimony
Lakethia's Testimony
BRITTANI
Brittani enjoys being a mother again and went on to pursue a degree in Pschology.
With the support and guidance from the House of Dawn, Brittani was able to secure an apartment not far from her mother where she can still be close enough for her to provide additional support.
"I felt so loved knowing that there were continued efforts of support being extended to us young mothers who’ve graduated from the program..."
Brittani
Written by Brittani:
“I first want to thank The House of Dawn as a whole; the program has grown so much since I left. Specifically, the Alumni Program that was started. I felt so loved knowing that there were continued efforts of support being extended to us young mothers who’ve graduated from the program. As a mother of two now this specific branch of support was personally special.
Things I was unable to get for myself were given to me through the Alumni support team. Monthly gift cards helped with transportation and personal items. It was all greatly appreciated. I also want to address Ms. Casey. I must admit that having her made it extremely easy for me to open up to. She understood me better. I felt as though I had an older sister I could call on. Personal thanks to her, I pray that The House of Dawn continues to grow and touch many more lives”.
DEONNA
Deonna chose to save her baby when others suggested otherwise.
I was nearly four months into my pregnancy when I came to live at House of Dawn. Immediately I know there would be a change and I was in the right place. While at HOD I conquered a lot of fears. I learned how to be responsible and do things for myself. I also learned how to go out into the world and grab the things I want. I enrolled in college and started the next semester. I never imagined myself as a college student, but House of Dawn gave me the push I needed to complete this task. Also, I got my driving permit and learned to drive
"I felt so loved knowing that there were continued efforts of support being extended to us young mothers who’ve graduated from the program..."
Deonna
The devastation I felt when I found out I was pregnant at age 18 was insane. I didn’t know what to do or where to turn. My own flesh and blood was telling me to get an abortion, but that was not what I wanted. The private school I was attending told me that when I started showing they would have to kick me out. It was a good thing I only had one class left and I graduated early. If I had not put my mind to the school work I would have failed, lost credits, and would have had to start over in my classes. Instead, I reached for that diploma and I grabbed it.
The school tried to persuade me to give my child up for adoption. I thought, “Why would I do that?” I believed in myself. I felt as though I could care for this child and provide all the needs and wants this child would ask for. I knew I could change my life for my child if I just put my mind to it. I thought why would I kill or give up my child if the person that was giving me the advice didn’t do the same? Why was I any different than them?
I was nearly four months into my pregnancy when I came to live at House of Dawn. Immediately I know there would be a change and I was in the right place. While at HOD I conquered a lot of fears. I learned how to be responsible and do things for myself. I also learned how to go out into the world and grab the things I want. I enrolled in college and started the next semester. I never imagined myself as a college student, but House of Dawn gave me the push I needed to complete this task. Also, I got my driving permit and learned to drive
House of Dawn provided me with encouragement and faith. They assigned counselor’s, provided parenting classes, and helped me find resources so that I could become a better person, and even better, an outstanding mother.
Deonna
CARLYS
Carlys found a place to call home.
We were having such a rough time until House of Dawn gave us a place to call our own, and we are forever grateful. Now my son is an outstanding 2 year old. Wow, time sure does fly. During our time in the program I really learned some great skills, such as pregnancy prevention, parenting, and budgeting skills that are really going to help me while I’m on my own.
"During our time in the program I really learned some great skills, such as pregnancy prevention, parenting, and budgeting skills that are really going to help me while I’m on my own."
Carlys
My name is Carlys D. and I can honestly say that I’m so proud of the young lady that I have become today thanks to the House of Dawn. I entered the program in December of 2009 when my son was only 10 months old and we were going through a lot!
We went from staying with one aunt to staying with another aunt until we eventually ended up staying with his dad. It was so hard moving from place to place with a child, and even though we were with family, they made us feel as though we were a burden. And yes, I think things would have been different if my mother was still here with me but, unfortunately, she passed when I was thirteen.
We were having such a rough time until House of Dawn gave us a place to call our own, and we are forever grateful. Now my son is an outstanding 2 year old. Wow, time sure does fly. During our time in the program I really learned some great skills, such as pregnancy prevention, parenting, and budgeting skills that are really going to help me while I’m on my own.
“I’m so thankful for the House of Dawn because they believed in me and gave me hope when I thought I had nothing and no one left in the world. And even though I didn’t think that I would be in the program for the entire time I’m so glad I stayed. Even though I’m going to miss you all dearly I’m glad I had the opportunity to stay while I did and I wish the House of Dawn the best of luck and I pray that it will continue to succeed and be a blessing for others just like they were for my son and me.”
Carlys
JOVANNA
I learned all of the life skills that I needed in order to be successful and independent…
They provided me with food, shelter, transportation, and access to education. House of Dawn cared about me as a person, not just a mother. I learned how to maintain positive relationships, how to bond with my daughter Akayla and all of the life skills that I needed in order to be successful and independent.
"House of Dawn cared about me as a person, not just a mother"
Jovanna
When I first found out about my pregnancy, I had no place to go. Having no family or friends to turn to, I found HOD. I was sure that everything would be okay. I could get a job, an apartment, finish High-School. I could make this work. When reality hit I became scared, confused, I felt lonely, depressed and I was not happy or confident about raising a baby.
I came to House Of Dawn July 5, 2009 when I was 17 years old and 8 months pregnant. I was not prepared or aware for what I was about to learn. During my time in Second Chance I graduated from high school with the help of my case manager in May 2010. Also gave birth to my daughter Akayla in August 2009.
They provided me with food, shelter, transportation, and access to education. House of Dawn cared about me as a person, not just a mother. I learned how to maintain positive relationships, how to bond with my daughter Akayla and all of the life skills that I needed in order to be successful and independent.
In November 2010 I transitioned from the Second Chance Home into the TLP (Transitional Living Program). While in TLP I bought my own car and maintain my car note and car insurance. I am very grateful for what House of Dawn has done for me, I only hope, that I can do something some day for them.
ASHLEY
I learned all of the life skills that I needed in order to be successful and independent…
Daily staff shows me something new about parenting or myself that I never thought about. We learn about managing our time, money, working hard, and getting our education.
"We learn about managing our time, money, working hard, and getting our education. Living in a second chance home to me means that I always have someone to talk to when I need advice."
Ashley
My name is Ashley I am a resident at House of Dawn. I became a mother at the age of 16 and moved into House of Dawn Second Chance Home when I was 17 and my daughter was two years of age.
When I came to the House of Dawn with my daughter almost two years ago I realized that being a teen mom and learning to parent would not be an easy task. Sometimes it gets hard living with other families, having staff with you all the time and following house rules. But I had to understand that a second chance home is here to help me and that my baby is worth succeeding for.
My goal is to learn how to be independent on my own with my daughter and daily I have to remind myself of that. At House of Dawn I have learned a lot of things about taking care of me and my baby. I’ve learned the importance of eating right and how to feed my daughter so that we both stay healthy. Staff has taught me how to recognize when my baby is sick and what I should do.
Daily staff shows me something new about parenting or myself that I never thought about. We learn about managing our time, money, working hard, and getting our education. Living in a second chance home to me means that I always have someone to talk to when I need advice. I can trust them with my personal problems and thoughts and I know they are going to support me in making good decisions.
I understand that being a single teenage mother is not an easy job but being here I feel that if I take life step by step and remember what I am learning and that I can do it.
THIS IS
Generational
TRANSFORMATION
"…I completed things that once seemed so far out my reach; my G.E.D and enrolled in college."
First Update
I was young, pregnant, depressed and homeless. I had no one to help me and get me on the right path. My mother had been gone for years, and I knew little about parenting. But when I entered the House Of Dawn, I was given a fresh start. Not only did the House of Dawn welcome me in, they prepared me for life.
While in the House of Dawn I completed things that once seemed so far out my reach. I completed my G.E.D and enrolled in college. I am now a full-time student at Georgia Perimeter College.
Second Update
After two attempts I’m here lol!! I sat down today and thought… how did I really make it here to Paris France to study abroad …Me Sarah Willis the girl who came from nothing became pregnant as a teen, and to many became another statistic!
but #ToGoBeTheGlory for his grace and mercy! He stopped me even when I was a mess and made me my best!
You know sometimes I really don’t think you can grasp the role house of down plays in my life….the blessing it was, is, and will always be!
That year I was set apart from the world opened my eyes, allowed the holy spirit back control of my life and I blossomed! I will never stop…I’m ready to help someone who wants to change and be helped as you helped me! Love you & God Bless HOD
Third Update
I learned about my worth. I learned the importance of paying bills and how to pay them. They helped me develop life skills that would change my life forever. I am now a college Graduate with my Bachelors in Elementary Education. I am fourth-grade teacher in Gwinnett County public Schools.
I start Graduate School this month. It all started with Mrs. Dawn investing in my future and pushing me to achieve my dreams. It all started with her enrolling me in school. Words cannot express how grateful I am for House of Dawn.
They didn’t just give me a place to stay they invested in my future. They prepared me to be successful regardless of being a teen mom.
I’m forever grateful to Mrs. Dawn
Final Note
I’m so thankful for House of Dawn. I wasn’t just given a place to stay, I was given a home with a family that cared for me. They invested in my future. Having a child as a teenager is challenging.I felt like odds were against me. I wanted to change and do better.
House of Dawn knew it took more than a shelter. They enrolled me in school. They enrolled me in support classes. They enrolled me in relationship classes.
From struggling to finish school to a 4th-grade teacher with advanced degrees
