Life has never been “easy” for Jena. Living with ADHD and Tourette’s, the world can often feel overwhelming and loud. When she first came to the Mission, those internal challenges made the prospect of a structured program feel daunting. She arrived at the Fikso Family Center in December with a heavy dose of skepticism. “I thought I wasn’t going to make it because of all the rules,” she recalled in a recent interview.
For many individuals coming off the streets, rules can feel like a cage. However, Jena soon discovered that the Mission’s community wasn’t there to judge her disabilities, but to support her through them. She found that the requirements weren’t obstacles, but the guardrails that keep a person on the path to success.
When Jena arrived, she struggled with the basic rhythms of time management and hygiene—simple daily tasks that often become impossible to maintain when you are in survival mode.
By leaning into the Mission’s structured schedule, she didn’t just find a place to sleep; she found a rhythm for her life. As she proved her consistency, she moved from the high-capacity 30-day dorm to the quiet, independent rooms upstairs.
This growth was most evident through the job skills training program at the Second Chance Thrift Store. Jena blossomed in this environment. She started in the arts and crafts section—literally organizing chaos into order—before moving to linens and eventually operating the cash register. These milestones were about more than retail skills; they were about Jena rediscovering her own capability and worth as an asset to her community.
A core piece of this journey was the spiritual support found in the Mission’s chapel services. Attending twice daily gave Jena a chance to reset her internal compass. “Every chaplain is different… they keep us engaged in their own ways,” Jena shared. She noted that her faith in God has been significantly strengthened during her four months at the Fikso Center. While external stability like housing and jobs are vital, the Mission recognizes that lasting change is rooted in a shift of the heart. For Jena, that meant returning to her Christian roots and seeing God’s hand in her daily progress.
Today, Jena leaves the Mission not for the unknown, but with a solid plan for her future. She has already secured a new job and a stable place to stay with a supportive friend. Looking back at her four-month journey, Jena realizes that the structure she once feared didn’t bind her; it gave her the freedom to succeed!
