Testimonials

What People Are Saying

I will never forget my time at Jazz Stepping Stones and take comfort in knowing that this place exists for many women with similar life experiences that just need a safe place to rest their head and a base to keep our things while we get the rest of our life together. For me, living at JSS for a little more than a year turned out to be much more than that- a providence of God which He used to restore, shape and bless me for whatever season and circumstance may be left on this journey back to His good and perfect will. Thank you, Miss Jazz!

Jan Francene Martinez

Hello my name is Shaneka Pittman also known as Starr in the house and I was a former Jazz Stepping Stone. I want to start off by saying how truly grateful I am for such organizations like this one because this transitional housing felt more like a home versus just living with strangers. When I first came to Jazz’s I was only 19 years old with a baby at the age of one named Sa’Miyah. At the time I was working graveyard and it was very hard to juggle my lifestyle until Jazz gave me relief by telling me know, all the ladies are here to help. Of course, she was right. The ladies at JSS helped watch my child while I worked until I got myself together and for that I have the utmost respect for them and I can’t show enough gratitude. Inside of the house I grew to love my roommates and become a better mother and a much stronger woman. Something that I find very precious to me would have to be the time when my very first car was stolen, I was so devastated so I decided to call Jazz and ask her to pray for me and we both know that’s something I hardly ever say to anyone. She prayed with me while tears began to run down my face. That conversation has stuck with me till this day and with any other transitional housing, I don’t believe your going to find someone who you can share a deep connection with and be able to call them on a personal level when you feel at your lowest. After one year of my stay, I moved out into my own apartment with my daughter who is now almost 3 years old. Because of Jazz I now know how to provide for me and my child. I’m more responsible with how I spend my money and making sure the rent is paid on time and I feel more prepared for the real world. Today I now have a full time job working for a business as a HMIS Data Specialist and taking one day at a time. Thank you Jazz!

Starr

Hello my name is chauncine, first and foremost I thank God my Lord and saviour. I was homeless,hopeless and depressed. I felt lonely. My storm from the beginning was bad and it only got worse. Me and my husband were both homeless, alcoholics and I used drugs. My husband ended up incarcerated, and I was left in the streets with no one or anything. I started to drink vodka every day and was introduced to meth. I ended up being raped by two of my husband’s acquaintances. From that point I gave up. I was going to a church called Faith in Christ, only to get help when I needed it. Pastor Joe and Gwen Brown had known about my situation and Gwen stepped up and gave me a phone number that I will never lose and be able to give to another woman in need,not for only a place to stay, but a home,family and love, from woman that don’t you,but will have open arms as well as a heart. I called and set up an appointment with Mrs. Watts and she explained what and how the homes work’s . I moved in 2 days later. Through my experience with all the girls there I can honestly say I felt like I was at home and secured, something I have not had in a long time,although I didn’t stay was not long my relationship with Jazz and the women will stay in my heart forever. Both me and my husband are clean and sober, attend Faith in Christ ministry ‘s faithfully, my children are in my life and we are getting our business West Coast Constitution started. I love waking up the Lord. Jazz thank you for stepping stone’s .With open arms and heart’s, each and every one of the ladies gave me to hope, care and a new extended family. Thank you Mrs . Watts and thank you Stepping Stone’s to a new beginning.

Chauncine Hardy

Hello ladies my name is Lawala Hawkins, and I was in Jazz stepping stones in the year of 2016. I first will like to give honor to God for his boundless love that he has bestowed upon us. Second I would like thank Mrs Jazz for the unconditional love that she has showed not only me and my daughter, but all the hurt women who have entered her home. I came to Mrs Jazz as a wounded mother and person. I had just moved me and my daughter out of a abusive relationship and though I was on my path to a new beginning. I ended up have a couple of incidents with that man but through Gods grace, I was able to get the support of Mrs Jazz to transfer to a new place where God has place me to be. With me being hear and being obedient,I am now experiencing the blessings of God. My life store was published in a book and I am currently a full time college student with a graduation date of fall 2018. I also work part time and am now expecting my third edition to my family. I will be transferring to a four year university where I will continue receiving my education. My words of encouragement to the ladies is the storm does not last always. God has a better and bigger plan for you all as long as you trust in him and put him first. I thank Mrs. Jazz so much and I appreciate the love that is always their for me and whoever else may need it.

Thank you so much and stay blessed.

Lawala Hawkins

There are many things Jazz Stepping Stones offered me. The most important were, A fresh start, and a network of ladies who I otherwise would have probably never met, that taught me things I will never forget. I learned a lot about myself and a lot about development, self care, and stability.

Thank you for helping me when I needed it most. I appreciate this program for linking women of different backgrounds and giving each one hope for tomorrow.

Anesha Hines