Providing Safe Spaces for Homeless Children

At just 14 years old, she has already faced challenges that many would find insurmountable. Born and raised on the streets, her childhood has been a patchwork of separation between her mother and father, intermittent schooling, exposure to substance use, and the struggles of begging for survival. Yet, amid these hardships, she carries dreams—dreams of education, family, and a better future. Months ago, she made a life-changing decision to seek support from Glad’s House, and it’s been a journey of self-discovery ever since. While she misses her family deeply, she’s determined to ensure that even if she reunites with them on the streets, she will never return to that life. Her hope is that one day, her siblings will also have the opportunity to go to school, just as she dreams of doing. This past Christmas, something extraordinary happened.

Children at Glad’s House were gifted with cake and snacks to celebrate the season. For her, this simple gesture rekindled a long-held dream—to one day host a celebration of her own.

"For the first time, someone did something really nice for me," she shared. Her memory drifted back to a time long ago when her uncle had planned a birthday party for her and her sister. "I celebrated my sister’s birthday, but on my day, I was really sick. I didn’t get to celebrate, and I didn’t eat my cake," she said.

Seeing the cake at Christmas brought mixed emotions. "I was surprised to see a flat cake. I’m used to seeing the bigger ones. At first, I thought it wouldn’t be enough for all of us, but I was wrong. The cake was enough for everyone, and it was really tasty, “ she concluded. 

In that moment, she imagined it was her own party. "I pray that one day; someone will celebrate me"

Though the road she has chosen is far from easy, she remains steadfast and true to herself. She is discovering her talents, including a newfound passion for volleyball, and she’s embracing every opportunity to grow.

Her resilience inspires everyone around her. At Glad’s House, we believe in her potential and know that the sky is the limit for her. She reminds us of the impact of small acts of kindness and the unyielding spirit of a young girl determined to rise above her circumstances.