RAISED ON SUNDAYS
Jackie was raised in Reedley by a single mom, and church life was woven into every part of her upbringing. Sunday school, children’s church, horseback riding outreach events — Full Gospel Tabernacle was practically a second home. Her father left before she was born, but Jackie was never without male role models. Her uncles stepped into that space, becoming the men she honored on Father’s Day. However, after years immersed in church culture, Jackie eventually burned out and drifted from her faith.
“Honestly, I felt like I was at church more than I was at home.“
COPING & NUMBING OUT
As adulthood arrived, survival became the priority. Jackie worked multiple jobs at once—restaurants, packing sheds, retail, even live-in nanny work. Before becoming a mother, she delved into drugs as a way to cope. She quit during each pregnancy, but postpartum, the stress and emotions would pull her back in. She buried it all quietly, never revealing her pain or letting anyone in.
“I didn’t want to share anything with anyone because I carried so much hopelessness inside.“
THE BREAKING POINT
Eventually, the pressure of being forced to move, financial struggles, single motherhood, and emotional exhaustion all collided. Last year, Jackie’s six daughters were removed from her care, and she signed temporary custody over to her sister-in-law. Everything broke. And yet, everything began to change. In her cell, Jackie cried out to God and promised Him she would change her life.
A NEW FUTURE
After her release, Jackie entered Evangel Home, where daily chapel services reignited her long-lost faith. The same Bible stories she had taught as a child now ministered to her broken adult heart. When she graduated, Jessica from Hope Now Women handed her a card and invited her to join the program. She did, immediately informing her probation officer. She began pursuing employment and recovery support at Hope Now. She is now building a way back to her children and plans to open a detox transitional home for mothers and their children.