Still, even through chaos, strength was never something she lacked. Growing up in foster care and becoming a mother at just 11 years old, she learned early how to survive. “Even as a kid, I’ve always been my own star player,” she said. “I had to learn life at an early age. But even then, I was determined to make something of myself.”

A Step of Faith

Eventually, the weight of doing it all alone became too heavy to carry. For the first time, Daveya realized she needed help.

“My biggest challenge before coming to Wheeler Mission was asking for help,” she shared. “I’ve always been a ‘do it myself’ kind of person. But I got to the point where my cup was completely empty. I had to put my pride to the side and tell myself—it’s okay to need help.”

When she arrived at Wheeler Mission, she instantly felt a difference. “The love, the energy, the way they pour into you here—it was exactly what my soul needed,” she said. “I had planned to check out another shelter, but once I came here, I didn’t even go. I knew I was home.”

Finding Home and Hope

Today, Daveya and her six-year-old daughter are part of the Compass Family Program, and both are thriving. Her daughter attends school and enjoys afterschool childcare at the Mission. “She loves it here,” Daveya said, smiling. “Everyone here loves her too. She used to be shy, especially after being separated from her siblings, but now she’s this lively little butterfly. People don’t even ask for me anymore—they ask where she is!”

Life inside Wheeler Mission feels like community. “Even the shared kitchen feels like fellowship,” she said. “All of us moms come together, cook, talk, and encourage each other. It’s beautiful.”

In that environment of care and connection, Daveya began to see herself differently. “Even on my worst days, Wheeler Mission reminds me how remarkable I am,” she said through tears. “They remind me of what I have to offer the world.”

Faith That Transformed Everything

At the heart of her transformation is a renewed relationship with God.

“Before, I knew God to be this invisible force that didn’t really make moves,” she said. “Now, He’s my right-hand man. I don’t make a move without consulting God first. He’s patient, merciful, and the leader of my life.”

That faith has become her foundation. It’s the anchor that steadies her, the reason she can smile and speak about her past without fear or regret. “I don’t regret anything,” she said. “It’s molded me into who I am today.”

A Future Filled with Purpose

With her spirit renewed, Daveya is boldly stepping into her future. She recently enrolled at Ivy Tech, taking her first steps toward becoming a motivational speaker and mentor. Her goal is to use her story to inspire others who may feel lost or alone.

“I want to share my story,” she said. “Because when you start telling your story, you realize how many people it can help. It gives others courage to share theirs too.”

Her message is filled with the same hope that now fills her own life:
“Before I came to Wheeler Mission, I was lost. Now, I am found. I am happy. I’m proud. I’m excited for what the future holds.”

A Heart Full of Gratitude

More than anything, Daveya is grateful — for the chance to breathe, to rest, and to rebuild.

“I am thankful to Wheeler Mission for being that place where I could finally exhale,” she said. “Life had me holding my breath—but here, I can breathe. They’ve shown me safety, love, and hope.”

And to anyone who’s ever wondered if help is out there, her encouragement is simple:

“It’s okay to need help. That doesn’t make you less of a person or less of a mother. We all need help—and that’s what Wheeler Mission is here for.”

Today, Daveya stands as a living testimony of God’s faithfulness and the power of compassion in motion. Through every struggle and every victory, she shines with gratitude and grace — a woman once lost, now found.

Watch Daveya’s story here: Watch Video