When Jasmine* walked into a Birmingham shelter, she was 19, homeless and separated from her toddler. Her only goal was survival.
She had just started a new job and met another young mom who told her about Project Independence, a Children’s Aid Society of Alabama program. Jasmine applied immediately. Within 24 hours, she was off the shelter floor and inside a fully furnished apartment with support services tailored to young mothers such as her.
That first night in her own space wasn’t just a relief. It was the beginning of something transformational.
A Safety Net That Does More
Project Independence supports pregnant and parenting homeless mothers ages 16 to 21 by offering safe housing and helping them build careers and life skills. Many, such as Jasmine, are navigating generational trauma and poverty.
After losing her housing due to family conflict, Jasmine made the heartbreaking choice to send her son to a relative to keep him out of foster care. She spent months moving between local shelters before finding Project Independence. That’s when everything changed.
“It’s not just housing,” Jasmine said.
“Project Independence helps with school, getting to doctor’s appointments, even transportation if you don’t have a car.”
Soon after enrolling, she was able to bring her two-year-old son back to Birmingham. Days later, she found out she was pregnant with her second child.
But even with a newborn, Jasmine stayed focused. She started working two jobs and with help from Project Independence, enrolled in GED classes through a local church partner. She’ll graduate this month through a non-traditional diploma program.
Planning for More Than Survival
She isn’t stopping there. Jasmine once dreamed of becoming a crime scene investigator but said she realized she wanted to serve families in an even deeper way. Now, her long-term goal is to own a funeral home. She’s already begun shadowing professionals on weekends and plans to enroll in a mortuary science program at Lawson State.
Jasmine shared that not only has the program helped her financially and physically, but it has also helped her mentally.
“Project Independence really helps you get on your feet in every way. School, work, parenting, mental health. They check in every week. It’s a big relief.”
Participants also receive weekly therapy and gather quarterly for a Youth Advisory Council (YAC) meeting with both current and former moms. These gatherings include a guest speaker, a volunteer service project, free food and on-site childcare.
Today, Jasmine no longer worries about where her next meal will come from or whether she’ll have a roof over her head.
“Going from having it all to having nothing — it really tries to break you down. Now, I never have to wake up and wonder how I’ll eat or where I’ll sleep. I have a safe place to call home.”
Meeting Trauma with Compassion
Children’s Aid Society of Alabama provides trauma-informed programs that protect, heal and inspire hope for children and families across the state. As a United Way partner agency, it ensures every client is met with dignity, not judgment, and offers a path forward that lasts.
*The name of the client has been changed to ensure her anonymity and privacy.