WWEE Success Stories: LeAnn

“Because of WWEE, I KNOW I can do ANYTHING”

When LeAnn found WWEE, she was within weeks of being on the street with the youngest 4 of her 6 children. After many years in relationship with a man that abused her and their children, LeAnn decided that something had to change. At the time, LeAnn was a manager for pizza restaurant, making a good salary and running her own store. But because she feared for her children’s safety, she handed her store keys back to her boss and told him that her kids were more important than her job.

LeAnn said, “When I walked into the WWEE office that morning, dressed in my best sweat pants and t-shirt, hair pulled into a ponytail, no makeup, and tears streaming down my face, there was simply nothing left inside me that resembled a person. WWEE staff members met with me and together we came up with the plan for my new beginning. We had very little to work with; a single mom with 4 little ones, no college education, and absolutely no self esteem. It was hard for me to believe that they could help me. They assured me they would be there should I need anything…BUT I had to do the work myself. I talked to them almost every day. At first, I couldn’t find any place to take us and the shelters were full. But they would tell me ‘Then you better look someplace else. Get a newspaper, get on Craig’s list’. They insisted that I had to do the work. I had to find the place, apply, go to the landlord interviews and I had to talk to them.”

“I was finally able to get a home for us. It was empty…but it was safe. WWEE was there to make sure the kids had clothes and that the home was filled with furniture and household items. They made sure the deposit was handled as promised, and reassured the landlord that we were “good people”, even though he had serious doubts. They invited me in the WWEE family Christmas party, the only fun I had had in 10 years. WWEE checked on me all the time to let me know they were there and to make sure I didn’t resort to going back because I felt I had no other choice.”

“One thing I need to stress. If WWEE had done the work for me, I would not be where I am. Making ME do the work made me learn to believe in myself. I admit, had they just given me money, or done the work for me, I might have gone back to that relationship. But, because I had to work so hard for what I got, there was no way I was going back again. Because they made me work for my success, I stayed successful.”

“The change in our lives is more than a miracle. My kids are in great schools and are doing amazing. They play, run, scream, and chase each other; things they never did when we were with him. I get up in the morning happy, dress nicely, do my hair, and put on make-up; things I never cared enough about myself to do before now. I even got braces because I care enough about myself to smile now!”

“I owe my success to the WWEE organization, and the people who support the organization. Without them, I would still be living in a nightmare, or worse. WWEE gave me love and understanding; they gave me patience and compassion, and they never once judged me on my mistakes. Because of WWEE, I KNOW I can do ANYTHING I want and I can BE ANYTHING I want. I don’t have to be afraid anymore.”

LeAnn has come a long way since she first walked through the doors of WWEE just two years ago. She has proudly earned her Associate’s Degree from Pierce Community College in June 2009 with Honors! LeAnn’s children and WWEE staff were at the graduation to cheer her on. She plans to continue her education and receive a Bachelor of Arts degree. As a volunteer at Rehmann Hall as a court-appointed Guardian Ad Litem Case Aide, LeAnn is passionate about helping others, especially children.

For the privacy and safety of our participants some names have been changed and some photos have been omitted.

You can help another person change their life!