When all hope was lost and there was nowhere else to turn, Kisha found hope at City of Refuge.
At the young age of 14, Kisha was abused by a family member and got pregnant. She made the brave choice to keep the baby. That meant she had to create a new life for herself, as she was determined to love and protect her child.
Kisha went on to develop a strong career at Grady Hospital, working there for almost 10 years while caring for her daughter and grandchildren. Then, a sudden lay off left her unemployed and eventually homeless. She moved from house to house while trying to find a new job. In her eyes, all hope was lost. She even considered taking her life.
“God was not done with me and He still isn’t,” says Kisha.
With nowhere else to turn, she learned about City of Refuge. She was able to move into Eden Village. For the first time in her life, Kisha felt loved and seen. She immediately met with her case manager, Vallise, who helped her get access to mental health counseling, receive medication for depression, participate in anger management classes, and take advantage of the many other services on our campus. She enrolled in our culinary arts vocational training program to pursue her passion for cooking. “The programs, services, and staff here at City of Refuge truly saved my life,” she says.
After completing her goals, graduating from the culinary arts program, and moving out of Eden Village, Kisha was hired in our 180 Degree Kitchen. She now helps prepare and serve over 350,000 meals each year. Kisha shares, “My favorite thing about working here is that I know what these ladies are fighting for. I get to meet them where they are by serving them a hot, nutritious meal.”