Janelle works at our Distribution Center,

21st & N Streets.  On Thursdays & Fridays especially, when fresh produce is given out along with the usual food, clothing and household items, the line of people seems to never end.  For Janelle, that is not a problem!  She knows God has brought her to the DC to serve these people!

Janelle also knows what it's like to have to overcome in life.  Although she grew up in an urban area, she was raised in Native American tradition by her grandmother.  As a child Janelle was abused and as an adult the abuse continued with her husband.  After several years, she finally gathered the strength to leave.  She now shares her story with other women in domestic abuse groups.  Janelle says women in abusive relationships need strength and lots of faith to get themselves the help they need.

Janelle re-married, but the marriage ended after the loss of their youngest child.  Janelle was left a single mom with five children to care for.  A friend encouraged her to go back to school.  During her years of education and in spite of a major injury requiring four surgeries in three years, she not only got her GED, she recently graduated from SCC with a degree in Human Services!  While attending SCC, Janelle did her internship with PCM at our Distribution Center, was subsequently hired part-time, and in July 2009 became full-time staff!
Janelle loves her work.  She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work and knows her job allows her to help people in need now.  

 

Janelle has 10 grandchildren, one she is raising. She strives to inspire them the way her grandmother inspired her - to work hard and serve others with a giving heart without judging anyone.