What Would Shaquira Tell Herself Seven Years Ago?
Stepping into the Atlanta Children's Day Shelter for the first time, Shaquira would whisper to her younger self, "Your life is about to change significantly. Embrace it." The day she had to leave her children at the Shelter was poignant. It was a struggle to let go, but Ms. Kim, the Infant Lead Teacher, offered her solace: "It's going to be okay." Ms. Kim's empathy and support carved out a safe haven for Shaquira to take a breath and start rebuilding her life.
At the time, Shaquira and her family were in survival mode. Homeless and desperate, they found temporary refuge in a shelter that only accepted families with newborns. Her son was just a month old, and her daughter was four. The Shelter gave them six months to stabilize, but with limited time and options, Shaquira took a physically demanding warehouse job—working 12-hour shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.—just weeks after a cesarean delivery. She knew it was unsustainable but felt she had no choice. When Shaquira stumbled upon the Atlanta Children's Day Shelter, she didn't just find a childcare center. She found a beacon of hope.
A Safe Place to Rebuild
"The first day I dropped off my children, it was hard to let go, but I felt safe for the first time in a long time," Shaquira recalls. "Ms. Kim genuinely cared about my family, which gave me the mental space to think about our next steps—what our living situation could look like, what the next chapter could be."
Shaquira's journey was a test of endurance. She muses, "There were times when I felt like giving up. But just because I couldn't afford quality childcare didn't mean my kids didn't deserve it. The Shelter offered a comprehensive support system for my family—free childcare, diapers, formula, clothing, food donations, rental assistance, and job application resources. With that kind of support, success was inevitable."
Through the Pathways to Education Program, Shaquira restarted her education, a dream she had placed on hold. Step by step, she reclaimed her future.
A Legacy of Resilience
Today, Shaquira and her family are thriving. In August 2023, she accomplished a lifelong goal: purchasing a home. "My family is at peace. I am at peace," she says proudly.
Shaquira's story is a testament to the transformative impact of the Atlanta Children's Day Shelter. "For anyone questioning what the Shelter does or how their support creates long-term change—this is it. Someone's chapter doesn't define their whole story."
In 2024, Shaquira was honored as the Legacy Honoree for her remarkable journey and resilience. "My name is Shaquira Wilson, and I am living proof of the power of hope and support."
