It's not just where you begin but where you end.

I was born and raised in Saint Louis, MO. At one point I can remember the sense of community and love. So much so I feel it in my spirit as I write. I can remember things like Halloween, myself and cousins would meet at one another's homes and go out with our parents trick or treating.

We would see the firemen out at the station, local supermarkets, banks and many others participated. I was born in 1983 where epidemics were on the rise. I have grown a lot since those days and now have children of my own.

The road in adulthood can be challenging for some, a breeze for most and unforgiving to more people than we can imagine.

I have always done the right thing. By doing so I saved myself from unwanted trouble. It wasn't until after my third child was born that life showed me what the unexpected could bring.

Well lets just say, It can happen fast and take everything you have quick.I found myself homeless in another city and the only person to lean on was my husband. We did pull each other through and rebuilt our life peace by peace.

We moved to Springfield MO, I am not sure if because I had never experienced life on the streets in Saint Louis that my ignorance didn't allow me to see the ongoing problem with homelessness, mental health and most of all the loss of sense of community.

I have found that most people that end up displaced from society suffer from mental illness, drug addiction and loss of purpose.

Myself and husband began going out into our community and helping those displaced find the right help that they need. It is our goal to raise the funds to maintain the space we have leased to continue our outreach. Winter is coming and we hope to provide sleeping bags, winter coats, warm socks, hand warmers and provisions for as many as we can. Everyone deserves to seek their purpose even after the roads have been dark. I have always believed that it is not always just about the start but it will for sure rest on the ending.