FUNding for Faith and Fostering

Dear Faith and Fostering Family,

Hi, my name is Jaqueri Gillyard, and I’m 19 years old. I joined Faith and Fostering on July 25, 2025, and it’s been about four months since I became part of the program. 

When I was 17, I dropped out of school during my 11th-grade year because of issues with toxic family members. My grandma had passed away — I used to stay with her a lot — and after she died, I had to move in with family I didn’t know. It was a bad situation, and I became depressed. I didn’t know what to do. I enrolled in Job Corps, and that’s where I started learning how to be more independent. I took up a trade in painting and earned my high school diploma. I was doing well there, finished the program, and then returned to Mansfield.

When I got back to Mansfield, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I started falling back into old habits — smoking, feeling angry, and becoming depressed again. The only person I really had was my sister. We would talk, and I asked her if she saw herself staying in Mansfield forever and if she was happy there. She said yes, but I wasn’t. Staying there was taking a toll on my mental health — I had nowhere to go and no stable place to stay.

One day, I started searching for help to get me back on my feet and stability. That’s when I found Faith and Fostering. I filled out an application, and Ms. Shatorea called me. We talked on the phone about the program, and she even came down to Mansfield to meet with me. Shortly after that, I officially joined.

Since joining Faith and Fostering, I’ve grown so much. I’m currently in school for HVAC — something I’ve always wanted to do. The program helped me make that happen. I also moved into the Royal House, where I have safe housing, and Faith and Fostering helps me with transportation to and from school.

This program keeps me motivated and focused on becoming a better version of myself. Thanks to Faith and Fostering, I finally feel like I’m building a better life.

Thank you,

 

Jaqueri Gillyard

F&F Resident