Woman on the Rise: Jaclyn

Written by Linda Harvey

Jaclyn, a graduate of TWB’s Winter 2024 session, feels hopeful as she looks ahead and starts to rebuild her life one step at a time. The TWB program gave her the confidence to take those first steps, and it’s why she holds on to one particular affirmation she heard here — “'I can’t' is not in my vocabulary.” 

Her resolve to move forward is evident as she maps out a future where she plans to help those like herself. She wants to prevent others from being neglected within the criminal justice system as she experienced with receiving limited medical care for her paralyzed arm, she explains. 

As this month’s Woman on the Rise, Jaclyn is already closer to her goal since she recently completed her bachelor’s degree and is now pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Her persistence, courage, and hard work are an inspiration to many here at TWB!

As Jaclyn shares her story, you can sense her quiet determination behind her soft-spoken words. She has overcome a number of challenges since a 2021 car accident left her right arm paralyzed and her being found at fault and charged. 

She was ashamed of her criminal record and discouraged by her disability after she was released, she says. She struggled to secure a job, found herself homeless, and couldn’t find her way in other programs, she recalls.

“The wind was knocked out of my sails,” Jaclyn describes. “I thought my life was over, but TWB encouraged me to keep going and follow my dreams.”

Her time with TWB staff and fellow Team Members made her realize that others have also made mistakes in their lives, and it doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to change the direction of their lives. She’s learned to understand that her past doesn’t define her even though it is part of her story, she says.

“I knew I wanted a better life, and I knew my heart was in the right place. I just did not know how to implement that change,” Jaclyn recently shared in a speech to TWB's Spring 2024 program graduates. 

She acknowledges that the TWB program gave her the tools and support to help her find her way again. “God couldn’t have put me in a better place,” Jaclyn says, thankful that staff saw her desire to change her life.

Finding Inspiration, Encouragement, and Direction

Jaclyn wasn’t sure what to expect at TWB and remembers forcing herself to go on her first day. She’d been let down by others in the past and really didn’t want to be around other people, she recalls.

Yet she soon found a TWB sisterhood and was bolstered by the unity she felt. As she participated in various life-skills classes and workforce training, both in and out of the kitchen, she saw her confidence grow.

“Empowerment was key,” Jaclyn emphasizes. “[And] being surrounded by empowering women in similar situations as me. I felt myself getting stronger, having more faith — TWB felt so good.” 

Even when she felt her paralyzed arm would hinder her in the kitchen, she was encouraged to try. During her speech to graduates, Jaclyn reflected on how this impacted her, “TWB never treated me differently and gave me the opportunity to grow. They nurtured and fostered my self-esteem so I didn’t feel that my disability would hold me back anymore.”

She also points to her TWB job counselor and other staff members who helped her find employment and return to school, giving her the direction and motivation she needed. Their support eased her self-doubt and encouraged her to fully recognize both her past and present accomplishments, such as being on the Dean’s List and certifications she’d earned.

Following Her Dreams 

At the time of the 2021 car accident, Jaclyn was finishing up her senior year at Wilmington University and planning to move south with her son. She never predicted that the trajectory of her life would be forever altered, she says.

That’s why Jaclyn is extremely proud of how far she has come since she first entered the TWB program in January. She marvels at how things came together over the last few months — first a job at an Alexandria law firm in March and then graduating college this past June. 

She juggled busy days to make sure she could complete her online classes for her B.S. in Behavioral Science at Wilmington University. Jaclyn says she was “super excited” to walk across the stage and for her 15-year-old son to watch this accomplishment. However, she’s not yet finished making her dreams a reality. 

“I knew that I needed to pursue my master's in social work in order to have a platform to someday advocate for social justice and criminal justice reform,” she explains. Her online program at Walden University allows her to continue to work at the law firm.

She is disheartened when she looks back at her experience in the justice system while being paralyzed and not receiving proper medical attention. She could have had procedures to repair the damage in her neck and arm, helping to restore function.

“That wasn’t right,” she asserts. “I want to see changes in the system, especially to those denied disability benefits.”

Jaclyn’s calm demeanor is in contrast to her newfound courage — she feels empowered now and determined to advocate for others. Her time at TWB encouraged her to use her voice and not give up. “I learned that changes can be made, and that my voice can be heard,” she proclaims.

Turning her own failures and trauma into a life’s purpose is something that others at TWB admire about Jaclyn. Reina Carranza, TWB’s Business/Fulfillment Associate, remarked on her ability to make the best in every situation. 

“Your struggle will be your greatest story,” Reina stated at Jaclyn’s TWB graduation. “Wait, just wait — it is going to explode.” She continued, urging her to “Go for your dreams!”

Embracing a Forever Family

Before coming to TWB, Jaclyn felt alone and fearful since she was no longer close to her own family. “TWB became my family,” she says. “Even though the program ended, I still have them.” 

Most importantly, it’s a family that helps her believe in herself. A loving sisterhood that will always have her back, she insists.

As she reminded other recent TWB graduates, “Your journey has only just begun.” For Jaclyn, she’s off to a great start!