Bentley’s wide smile said it all. Monster Trucks thundered across the arena floor. The six-year-old leaned forward, eyes wide with excitement. It was the perfect moment for a boy who dreams of driving them someday.

His mother, Jolie, stood next to him, wiping away happy tears.

Not long ago, a moment like this felt impossible.

But because of supporters like you, Jolie is now the confident mother she always dreamed of becoming – and Bentley is growing up with the freedom to dream big.

When Jolie Needed Help Most

Six years ago, Bentley was a newborn. Jolie was just 18 and homeless, facing anxious nights with the possibility of sleeping in cars or on the street.

Thankfully, they found New Generation in February 2021.

They had more than just shelter. They had 24/7 support, access to basic necessities, and a community that believed in them. Staff helped Jolie build life skills, graduate high school, secure a job, and plan for a stable future.

Step by step, Jolie began building the life she wanted for her son – a life where Bentley would have a bed of his own. A life where he could play with toys. A life filled with school, friends and joyful childhood memories.

“As soon as I got to New Generation, I realized everything would be okay,” Jolie reflects. “When I walked through the doors, I could breathe again. They welcomed me with warm and open arms.”

Staff helped Jolie obtain a housing voucher. Shortly after, she and Bentley moved into an apartment of their own.

But their journey wasn’t over.

Continued Support that Matters

For families who have experienced homelessness, staying housed can be just as difficult as finding housing. Bills pile up. Unexpected emergencies happen.

“When you get into housing, you have to keep up with everything,” Jolie shares. “Electricity, heat, groceries, and more. It can be overwhelming.”

That’s why New Generation stays connected with families long after they leave the shelter. Through its stabilization services, moms like Jolie receive support when they need it – food from the program’s food pantry or other essentials that help families stay on their feet.

And it works. 92% of families who receive these stabilization services maintain their housing after a year, much higher than other programs.

New Generation also helped Jolie set a budget, save money and plan ahead.

Those lessons proved invaluable when Jolie was recently in an accident that totaled her vehicle. She was able to afford another car and keep moving forward.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do that before,” she says.

Growing as a Mother

In 2024, Jolie’s family grew again when she welcomed her daughter, Autumn.

“Adjusting to two kids is a challenge, but New Generation equipped me with the skills to manage it,” Jolie shares.

She also marvels at the change in Bentley, who proudly watches over his little sister.

“I’ve seen him mature so much,” Jolie shares. “If he sees her doing something unsafe, he scoops her right up. He’s such a protective big brother.”

Jolie beams when she talks about her children.

“It is so rewarding to be a mother and to be able to provide for them,” she shares. “I love my babies so much – they are my whole world. They complete me – I was meant to be a mom.”

Stronger Together

When Autumn was born, Jolie experienced something else special about New Generation.

Many of the mothers she lived with in the shelter remain close today. One of them even bought Autumn a baby swing when she was born.

“We all went through it together,” Jolie says. “We still support each other.”

Lessons That Live On

The lessons instilled with Jolie at New Generation still guide her every day.

Her biggest one? The power of emotional regulation – learning how to stay calm in stressful moments.

“Don’t let the little things get to you,” she confidently shares. “Kids are still seeing how the world works. Sometimes you have to take a big breath.”

Even during sleepless nights with a restless toddler, Jolie still remembers the parenting guidance she received from staff.

Those lessons are shaping the childhood her kids are growing up with.

Looking back, Jolie feels like a changed mother and person. “I’m in a much better headspace and a lot more mature,” she said. “I’m a better parent because of that and I owe it to New Generation.”

A Hand That Never Lets Go

Even five years after leaving the shelter, Jolie remains connected with New Generation. While she’s on solid financial ground, she still reaches out to New Generation for help. Recently, when a sudden spike in her electric bill caused concern, New Generation staff helped connect her with resources.

“New Generation was my only support system for a long time,” Jolie says. “It still feels like home.”

And Jolie has learned something important along the way.

“Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help,” she says. “Sometimes we all need it.”

So Much to Look Forward To

Today, Bentley is thriving. He loves school, his teacher and spending time with friends. And when she’s not chasing her big brother around, Autumn loves arts and crafts, playing with flash cards, and snuggling with her mom.

Jolie is focused on building a career in healthcare. Her dream is to become a labor and delivery nurse.

“I love kids, and I want to help moms during one of the most important moments of their lives, just as New Generation had done for me,” she says.

She also hopes to one day buy a home through a First-Time Homebuyers program.

A future she once thought was out of reach now feels within reach.

“Jolie’s journey from uncertainty to independence is a powerful reflection of our mission and impact,” said Brandy Rickaby, executive director of New Generation. “Her story proves that with continued resilience, even the darkest times can transform into pathways toward strength, hope, and a thriving future.”

Grateful for You

Without New Generation, Jolie knows her story would have turned out differently.

“I wouldn’t have housing or be able to afford it on my own,” she shares. “I have no idea where we would be.”

But thanks to supporters like you, Jolie and the kids can enjoy precious moments together – walks in the summertime, the kids gleefully tubing in the winter, and quiet nights at home cooking the kids’ favorites – pizza and grilled cheese.

“My kids and I have a happy life,” she shares. “That’s what matters most at the end of the day.”

Back at the monster truck show, Jolie watched Bentley’s face light up as the trucks thundered past.

The biggest smile in the room belonged to him.

A smile made possible because someone like you cared.