Melissa's Story

Melissa Trujillo and her children, Mikealia, Gabriel, and Emiliano

Hi, my name is Melissa Trujillo. I am a single mother of three, and have recently become an alumna of Warren Village after two wonderful years of growth.

I had my daughter Mikealia when I was 22 years old. Her father was not in the picture, so I knew that I was going to be raising her on my own. After several years of being single I came back in contact with a man I had always cared about. We started dating and things were looking good.

We moved in together and I soon learned I was pregnant. At first I had thought that we’d have a perfect family. At 34 weeks into my pregnancy, my son Gabriel was born premature. He weighed only 3 pounds, 14 ounces, and was hospitalized for 16 days. A few months later I was married, and we moved into an apartment closer to both our jobs.

About a week before I went back to work my husband was arrested. I knew it was the beginning of the end, but I didn’t expect what would come next. The Jefferson County Sheriff called me—I was being charged as a conspirator with my husband for theft, even though I had no idea what was going on. Within two months, I had lost my job of seven years and our apartment. Although family and friends helped the best they could, my children and I became homeless. Not only that, but I had just found out I was pregnant again.

Since I had never been in trouble with the law before, I was offered a program called Diversion. It was a chance for me to right the wrong, but I still needed to figure out how to support myself and my children. I decided to put in an application to Warren Village, and moved in within the month.

I never imagined I would need public assistance, but I knew I had to do something until I could gain employment again. After my son Emiliano was born, Warren Village gave me the opportunity to continue with schooling. I enrolled at the Emily Griffith Opportunity School, and received my administrative assistant certificate. I worked temporarily for a union before starting the job I’m at now. I love working again, and I love what I’m doing.

Living here at Warren Village taught me that I was able to get back to the person I used to be: a strong, independent happy woman. The evening classes gave me skills in parenting, finance, women’s health, and scrap booking (just to name a few). I was selected to be a member of LEAD, where I developed my personal leadership abilities. I am also a member of the Parent Teacher Advisory Team in Warren Village’s four-star rated Learning Center.

My children and I think about what we would do if we were given an inheritance, and I know that I would give back to Warren Village for all that they have given to us. Since I haven’t received that inheritance yet, I give back in as many other ways as I can. I volunteer my time often, and Warren Village knows I’m just a phone call away for more.

I like to tell everyone that “I came to Warren Village for a hand up, not a hand out.” Warren Village, as well as all of the donors and volunteers, reached out their hands and gave me the help and support to move me in the right direction. My children and I thank you for your generous support on our paths to success.