Because of You, there is a Home4Me! That is what I think of when I think of Mary and Freddie Johnson. I was left in the hospital at birth and ultimately in an orphanage until the day Mary Johnson walked in the door and saw a little one sitting in a corner, looking around with eyes filled with little hope. 

She tells the story that it only took one look, and she called my father and said, “Freddie, we are going to have a little girl.” I became that little girl they didn’t have, and they became the parents that would change my life forever, create a safe home for me, and provide opportunities that would bless my future. When I turned 18 years old, I thought I knew enough. I moved a thousand miles away from home only to discover I was not ready for the world that I was now all alone in. Married at 18, thinking that was a safety net, I ended up escaping the abusive marriage with 3 babies at the age of 22. Determined not to be a statistic and learning from the opportunities I had growing up, is what kept me on a path to a successful life despite my circumstances. 

Now, my life is dedicated, and my eyes are filled with vision, and my heart is filled with determination to partner with those who desire to make a difference in the lives of teens who are in and aging out of foster care, so when we look into their eyes, they see a successful, safe, happy, and healthy future.  

When I think of my mother walking into that orphanage and becoming her little girl, I think… Because of You, I Can… Because of You, I Did…Because of You, I Will…Because of You I am Who I am Today!  

Thank you, Mommy, I will forever make you proud!

Donna