It Broke Me

Courtney grew up surrounded by love and support despite the challenges of being raised by a single mother. Her grandmother, who Courtney calls her “superwoman,” played a central role in her life. "Our bond was unbreakable," she recalls. 

However, tragedy soon struck when her beloved grandmother passed away, leaving Courtney devastated. "Right before she passed, she told me I would never find someone to love me like she did. And I have felt that ever since," Courtney shares. Not long after, her biological father also died, just as they were rebuilding their relationship. These back-to-back losses were a crushing blow. "It broke me. I had two heart attacks in a matter of weeks, was diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes. I was broken," she confides.

Her grief led her down a dark path, turning to the streets to cope. But one day, a woman from her father’s church reached out, inviting her back to the community she had drifted away from. "I became engulfed with the things of God. I became aware that God truly had a plan for my life," she reflects. That realization prompted Courtney to enroll at Edward Waters University (EWU), Jacksonville Campus Ministry's latest campus partner. She found healing and purpose through education and her involvement in the university choir. "The choir has been my saving grace. It gave me strength to make it through this season," Courtney says.

But even as she worked to better her life, new challenges arose. Courtney lost three homes, struggled with homelessness, and faced countless financial hardships. Despite these overwhelming obstacles, she continued to persevere with the support of her faith, her choir, and her mentor, Dr. Shingles. "Doc has helped pray me through everything. I never thought at 36 I’d be walking and catching the bus to class, but here I am."

Through it all, Courtney has kept her faith alive, knowing that God has a purpose for her journey. But her financial situation remains precarious. "I often have to choose between paying the light bill, eating, or getting to class," she explains.

With the help of our student financial aid fund, Courtney has been able to breathe a little easier. We were able to support her in catching up on her rent payments. "Having help from Jacksonville Campus Ministry just lifted my spirit. This is huge. Your support is truly a blessing, and I can’t thank you enough," Courtney says with heartfelt gratitude.

Courtney's story is one of resilience, faith, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Thanks to the support of her community and generous donors like you, she is taking one step at a time toward a brighter future.