A heart shaped arrangement of more than 120 red roses stood beautifully for all to admire at JCOC’s Black & White Gala in October. Set to be auctioned during the dinner program, its designer sat a bit nervously at one of the tables wondering if people would bid on it; wondering how her story would be received. The video piece began to play.
Seven years have passed since Nicole has slept in a bottom bunk at JCOC’s Emergency Shelter. Before finding out about us through one of our clients, she experienced homelessness for several years. She spent time in a shelter for victims of domestic violence and then outside in the elements in Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.
Living with arthritis and chronic pain from an accident when she was 14, Nicole remembered, “When I was homeless my body was constantly stressed out because I wasn’t used to being homeless, and it was making me sick. Once I got to JCOC, I got better.”
While living in JCOC’s Emergency Shelter, Nicole observed another woman making floral arrangements using cast aside flowers from grocery stores. Her new friend showed Nicole the ropes.
Nicole moved out of JCOC’s Emergency Shelter in late 2017, and into an apartment. Shortly after, her grandmother moved back into the area and bought a home. Nicole worked as the caregiver for both her grandmother and an uncle who was wheel chair bound until they passed away. She was surprised to inherit the house and car, relieving any thought of experiencing homelessness again. Nicole reflected, “She loved me enough to leave me her home.
Nicole made the arrangements for her uncle’s funeral. People including the funeral director took notice, and a small business was born. “Just because you’re homeless doesn’t mean you’re lazy or you don’t want to work,” shared Nicole. “You may be disabled, or you may be sick at the time, or you just need healing.”
Building a floral business will take time. In support of this dream and with a heart to help others facing challenges, Nicole is making plans to become a peer support specialist. Once she completes 500 hours, she will receive a certification and can begin working as one.
The high cost of groceries continues to make ends meet difficult for many of our neighbors in Hampton Roads including Nicole. She reconnected with JCOC staff when coming to our Food Pantry earlier this year. Nicole also volunteered to donate the heart shaped rose arrangement for the Black & White Gala! Heartfelt applause followed Nicole’s video story. Her beautiful creation went to the highest bidder, benefiting those who are experiencing homelessness and hunger right now.
