Finally having her own apartment has been a turning point for Saudah, elevating her atop a platform of renewed self-awareness and belief. She can see where she’s come from and where she’s headed, rising above the shadows of her past toward a life of hope and healing.

Renee never imagined she’d find herself sleeping in her car; She was a successful business owner, a dedicated mother, and an active leader in her community. At one point, she served on church committees and was preparing to open a nonprofit. “I wanted to find a way to help families get assistance,” she explains. “It’s relatively easy for individuals to get assistance, but it’s really hard for families.”

Life after the service can be a maelstrom of grit and white knuckles. Curtis knows that well—it's a grind where he has to keep pushing, even when it feels like the world’s stacked against him. Originally from Indiana, Curtis came to St. Louis with almost nothing to his name. But he wasn’t about to let that stop him.

From his earliest days, Daniel faced challenges that would shape his path in profound ways. Born in St. Louis and raised by a single mother, the absence of his father cast a long shadow over their small family. During their shared struggles and triumphs, Daniel learned the value of perseverance and strength that comes from making the best out of difficult situations.