Danielle Duku was just 14 when she was taken into custody by Child Protective Services. With no foster home available, she spent most of her teen years moving between group homes, longing for stability. At 16, she finally found a foster family and remained with them until she turned 18. But when they moved out of state, Danielle who was legally an adult but still figuring life out, was left behind in Virginia to navigate the world on her own.

She found a program called Impact Living Services, which offers services to improve the outcomes for youth, families, and communities. Impact Living Services helped cover Danielle’s rent and groceries until she turned 21. But when that support ended, she found herself facing life entirely on her own, again, now with a two-year-old son to care for.

Determined to provide for him, Danielle moved into a small basement apartment. She was doing her best to stay afloat, but after a year, she was blindsided with an eviction notice. Pregnant with her second child and with no place to go, she began living in her car, occasionally piecing together enough money for a hotel room. It was a frightening and uncertain time.

That’s when Danielle reached out to a mentor from Project Belong, who told her about Tree of Life Ministries and the services we offer. With a mix of hope and hesitation, Danielle made the call. She shared her story and was quickly approved for Tree of Life’s Transitional Housing Program.

Since then, her life has started to turn around. She’s spent the past year in safe, stable housing with her two sons. Her oldest is now four, and her youngest turns one in August. Danielle is working part-time and preparing to start school this fall to become a phlebotomist. The future could not look brighter for Danielle and her boys. “If it wasn’t for Tree of Life supporting and being there for me, I don’t know what I would do,” she says. Today, Danielle and her boys have a roof over their heads, and a community behind them. Together, they’re building a new chapter—one rooted in resilience, courage, and hope.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, you can reach out for help via our website.