Shanna McKinney

Shanna lost her children to Child Protective Services on May 11, 2004. "That date is permanently burned in my memory banks," says Shanna. Shanna, a single mother who had her first child when she was 18, really struggled with paying the bills as men traipsed in and out her life — some abusive, some only sticking around to have a baby then move on.

When her grandmother and sister died within 6 months of each other in 2001 — and her mother (with her brother and other sister) moved to South Carolina — Shanna was devastated. "My whole family support system was gone," says Shanna. "I had no one left to help me with childcare. Soon after, I found out that I was pregnant with my fourth child. I just sat down and cried."

Shanna had started classes at Central Piedmont Community College (courtesy of a Pell Grant) right before her grandmother's death. She had to drop out of school. "Not only was suffering from depression, because of preeclampsia my OB told me I had to stay off my feet," says Shanna. "I was no longer able to provide the care necessary for my children. Then I ended up losing my home."

Shanna feels blessed that her mother was eventually able to take custody of her children. "Knowing someone is nurturing them is letting me focus on getting myself on my feet." Shanna is graduating from CPCC this December with a degree in Office Information Systems Specialists. She is still hitting the pavement looking for a job and is an intern at Jacob's Ladder to hone her skills. "I was afraid to get back out there — and Jacob's Ladder gave me a focus — a goal."

Shanna was hired by Samaritan's Purse, November 2007.

Get Involved! | Return to Homepage