Toya Henderson: I met Ms. Denise Jones 10 years ago when she was assigned to me as a TASC Recovery Coach by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. My life had become completely unmanageable due to my uncontrollable drug addiction, and everyone was aware of this but me. Years before I began to use drugs, I experienced two extremely violent relationships that drastically changed my life but not for the good. I was one who believed that I could fix and control everything in my life myself. Then, I met Denise. I was at risk of losing my children, barely had a roof over my head, no job, family, and friends were no longer a major factor, and I began to lose hope.
Denise was very stern and straight forward and, at times, she was cold because I played games. Yet, at her core, she is quite tender at heart. She never gave up on me. She was brutally honest, genuinely concerned, and very much committed to seeing that both of us met our goal...for me to believe in my ability to change and stand in my power.
Ten years ago, I made a powerful decision to live. I am a productive member of society, a proud devoted parent of 6 children ages 9 to 24. I've proudly supported my oldest son through college, followed by his 18-year-old brother who is now a successful student on his way to graduating. I also have 3 beautiful girls who will continue this successful display of my ability to turn my life around by paving the way for my 9-year-old baby boy.
I am caring for my grandmother, the same angel that took on the responsibility of co-parenting my three youngest children and giving me what could have been my last opportunity to rebuild my life inside and out. My desire is to work with women impacted by domestic violence. Today and every day, I will continue to put God first. I thank the Lord for allowing Denise to come into my life and I'm grateful for a second chance at life. Over the past ten years that we have bonded, Denise has become like my big sister. My grannie and I have nothing but love for her because her desire and caring heart wanted nothing but the best for me. She has strengthened my life in so many ways such that I now know that I can persevere against all odds and believe in the power of HOPE. Thank you to Tender Touch and Denise "Niecey" Jones for changing.
Hello my name is Ruth Sole; I will describe how I come to know this wonderful woman Ms. Denise Jones. In 2001 she was assigned by the Illinois Department of Children Family Services (DCFS), as my TASC Recovery Coach. At that time I had no foundation in my life, my current lifestyle style was that of a drug addict and prostitute. I lost my seven children to the system, as well as losing my mother and brother.
I felt hopeless; I had no one who neither believed in me nor wanted to see me do better. Ms. Jones gave me a chance, God used her in my life, and she worked with me until I grab hold to this thing called HOPE and this motivated me to CHANGE.
Today my life is much better than it has ever been. My daughter Angel is back in my custody, which is now 12 years old and about to enter high school. And, for me I am 6 months away from graduating from college as a criminal justice attorney for children. My desire is to give back to the community. Thank you Ms. Jones for all your help, you saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. Failure Is Not An Option.
Annie M. Freeman 69 years old mother of seven beautiful children, is telling her story of how living in a dysfunctional home, being molested and getting pregnant at the tender age of 13 drove her to abandon her children and live as a lesbian, pimping women and using drugs.
In 1981 Annie gave her life to the Lord and he restored her. She was given a 2nd chance by her children who now respect her and gladly call her “Mother”. In Annie own words, I’ve been called a lot of things but never “Mother”. Every time I hear one of my children say “Mother” tears are brought to my eyes, my heart is ever rejoicing. God allowed me to work for Chicago Board of Education as a teacher’s aide for 25 years and the University of Chicago Hospital in transportation until I retired. Today, I am sharing my story to whomever and whenever God open a door. My desire is that I reach that one that is living in my past shoes, that they made take hold to “HOPE” as I did.
2324 185th Place Lansing, IL 60438
