Shelita’s journey began in the River Rouge area of Detroit, where she grew up with four siblings. Reflecting on her childhood, Shelita shared how her family faced a lot of trauma, which distanced them from one another. However, as they grew older and became parents, they worked through their past, eventually reconciling and building stronger bonds. Family therapy and discussions led them to start traditions, including trips together to places like Florida, which for many of them was a first-time experience. Shelita’s joy at these memories and the closeness they now cherish is evident in her voice as she describes standing in long lines at Universal Studios with her family.
It took some time to create more fond memories. Shelita’s life took a turn as she recounts the moment her mother’s boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer. The emotional toll on her mother became overwhelming. In an unexpected and heartbreaking decision, Shelita and her newborn son were told to leave. The sudden news, especially from her mother, left Shelita confused. “It’s supposed to be the one place you can always go back to,” she said, with a mixture of disbelief and sorrow. Having to leave her mom’s house, and without much other family support, Shelita bounced between living in a garage and a basement. She eventually searched online for help and came across COTS.
She found unexpected solace in COTS, an organization she now calls her “extended family.” At first, she couldn’t believe that people were genuinely there to help her, having been so used to rejection and closed doors. But with each conversation, Shelita learned to trust the staff at COTS, finding comfort in their support. They provided her with everything from housing resources to coaching and mentorship, even helping her navigate the school system for her son. The support she received was overwhelming in the best way possible. For the first time, Shelita had people invested in her well-being and success, helping her grow emotionally and practically.
The most transformative part of Shelita’s journey has been her relationship with the staff and coaches at COTS. Initially, she was nervous and hesitant to open up, having built walls around herself to survive. “I was egotistical,” she admits, describing how she had always prided herself on her independence, feeling like she couldn’t or shouldn’t ask for help. However, through patient coaching, Shelita learned to let her guard down. Her coaches’ reassurance of “I got you” helped ease her anxiety and build her confidence. She eventually came to fully embrace the resources and love offered to her.
Today, Shelita is a mother of four; her children have been a source of strength and growth for her. “They’re kind of like my assistants or guides,” she says with a smile, describing how her kids helped her mature and grow in ways she never expected. Despite their hardships, Shelita is determined to provide a loving and supportive environment for them, something she didn’t always have. She’s made it her mission to create a stable life for her family.
Throughout her time at COTS, Shelita has found a community for herself and her children. She speaks of the various programs and groups they attended, from affinity groups to regular coaching sessions, where her son learned the importance of communication and confidence by watching her interact with others. The experience has been transformative for her family, teaching her children the value of community support and open dialogue.
For Shelita, COTS has become her extended family. They’ve offered the love, support, and resources she needed to keep her hope alive. Now, she has people in her life who play a lasting part in her journey, providing stability and strength. Thanks to the COTS community and your contributions, transformations like these are possible.
