Helenia has spent 20 years in prison over four separate sentences. Each of her terms in prison was the result of substance abuse, a multi-generational addiction in her family.
But while serving her last sentence, Helenia became determined to transform her life.
Seeking every opportunity to become more educated, Helenia earned the Sunshine Lady Foundation scholarship while incarcerated and received her Associate’s Degree from Piedmont Valley Community College in May 2015. She then enrolled in every course offered in Resilience’s Entrepreneurship Program at her facility. Through her courses with Resilience, she earned certificates from Darden upon graduation in May 2016 – credentials that would open doors for employment opportunities and further education.
Today, Helenia works as a house monitor at a transitional home for juvenile girls in Washington, D.C. and is set to complete a bachelor’s degree in social work from Marymount University in May 2019.
I attended Helenia’s graduation party this past May. Politicians, family, and friends came together to watch Helenia do her “HAPPY DANCE” and declare that the journey from the FBI’s Most Wanted to graduate!
This Frankly Speaking conversation breathes life into the words, “Impossible is merely a word!” Tune in and be inspired.
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Until next time, remember,-
You are not alone.
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You are not your circumstances.
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You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.