DeShannda was overwhelmed.

Struggling with addiction, an abusive relationship, and homelessness, she longed to chart a new course for herself and her two little girls. But who could she trust to care for them while she did the hard work to regain her sobriety and get back on her feet?

She couldn’t afford daycare. And if she left them with friends or family from her past, they’d be returned to the toxic environment she’d pledged to leave behind.

Her dreams for the future seemed so far out of reach, impossible even.