Jasmine left prison determined that this time would be different. She had been incarcerated before, but this release carried a deeper weight and responsibility. She was already a mother to a nine-year-old daughter, and while incarcerated she had given birth to her son. When she was released, he was just five months old. Jasmine knew she would soon be reunited with both of her children, and she was resolved that neither of them would grow up in the system. She wanted to be the one to raise them. This time, she wasn’t just rebuilding her life for herself—she was rebuilding it for her children and their future.
When Jasmine returned home, she felt somewhat prepared. She had secured housing and had many of the major pieces in place. Her CPS case closed in April, but the months leading up to that were demanding. She was placed on probation for the first two months being out, required to attend counseling, submit to regular UAs, and participate in supervised visits. Her days were full—working, waiting for her number to be called for testing, and doing everything asked of her. When she finally got her children back, she says it felt like she was whole again. “We were a family now.” Today, she feels almost inseparable from them—so used to having them around that even short visits to grandparents feel hard because she misses them so much.
The first year wasn’t without struggle. Transportation and maintaining employment as a single mother were constant challenges. Her daughter wasn’t accepted into childcare until the school year began, and while her mother helped, she lived 20 minutes away, adding to the daily logistics. Eight months after her release, Jasmine’s car broke down completely—the head gasket failed, and it couldn’t be repaired. For weeks, Jasmine and her children relied on public transportation. Her daughter took the bus to school, and they often had to leave at least an hour early just to arrive on time. They walked a lot. Jasmine had just started a new job, and the stress was heavy—especially on days when transportation issues caused her to call off, something that can jeopardize new employment. Still, she kept going.
After two months of navigating buses and uncertainty, a local church partnered with Empower 180 and donated a car to Jasmine—an answer at just the right time. Today, Jasmine says she is most grateful for her children, her family, Hannah House, Empower 180, Life Source Church, and Anycia, her children’s nana. She shares that one of the hardest but most important parts of her journey was letting go of doubt in herself. Some days were harder than others, but she stayed focused on what mattered most. Her faith in God, she says, is what carried her through—and continues to guide her forward.
