Twelve years ago, Aliyah Williams arrived at the Apostles’ House as a teen mother facing housing instability and uncertainty about what the future would hold.

Although she came from a loving family, Aliyah describes herself at the time as rebellious, guarded, and struggling to trust others.

During her stay at the Apostles’ House, Aliyah admits she pushed back against structure and authority. Staff affectionately nicknamed her “Angry Bird” because of her tough exterior and fiery personality. But beneath that was a young woman trying to navigate fear from being in an unsafe relationship, instability, and the emotional weight of being a mother at such a young age.

Even now, more than a decade later, Aliyah still remembers staff members like Ms. Iris and Ms. Star and Ms Jackie who remained patient, consistent, and supportive throughout her time at the shelter.“They stayed on me,” she shared. “They cared even when I made it difficult.”

While her journey after leaving shelter included periods of displacement and transition, Aliyah never returned to homelessness. Instead, she continued pushing forward—determined to create stability for herself and her son. Reflecting on her journey, Aliyah shared that one of the biggest lessons she learned was the importance of humility, growth, and changing her mindset.“God will continue to put you in humbling situations until you get it,” she said.

Today, Aliyah’s story reflects resilience, perseverance, and growth. She recently earned her degree in Criminal Justice from Berkeley College, is currently pursuing her MBA, and works for the East Orange School District.

Her journey from a rebellious teenager in crisis to an accomplished professional and mother is a powerful reminder that with support, structure, compassion, and opportunity, lives can change.

At the Apostles’ House, we know that emergency shelter is often only the beginning of the story. For many women and families, it becomes the starting point for healing, stability, and a future they once struggled to imagine possible.