From Homeless to Hopeful – Themerrythought

Shanjula Harris Honored with GLF’s Very Inspiring Parent (VIP) Award

by Karyn Brodsky | Staff Writer

What does it mean to transform adversity into hope? Shanjula Harris from Dallas embodies this journey through her own life experiences. It requires unwavering determination, trust in those around her, creativity in problem-solving, and abundant faith.

As a devoted single mother, Harris not only prioritized her children but also extended her kindness to others in need. “I used to deliver hot meals to the homeless in south Dallas,” reflects Harris. Ironically, her circumstances changed drastically in 2009 when she lost her job after seven years as a medical assistant at a Dallas hospital, forcing her and her three children—Deon, Precious, and Twquan—to seek refuge at Family Gateway Shelter in Dallas.

At Family Gateway, they received shelter, meals, and crucial emotional support. “I felt disheartened because I wanted more for my children rather than experiencing homelessness,” shares Harris. In her pursuit of strength through prayer, she remained a pillar of support for her children, who faced bullying at school for not having new clothes. “I focused on lifting their spirits,” she adds.

“I didn’t want my kids to be homeless,” says Shanjula of her children. Inspired by their mom who earned a college degree while living at the Family Gateway shelter, TwQuan, Susporiea, and Deon followed in her footsteps. Deon attended Texas Tech, Susporiea (whose nickname is “Precious”) is studying nursing at Texas Wesleyan in Ft. Worth, and next year Twquan plans to attend either the University of North Texas or University of Texas at Arlington to study mechanical engineering. — “I didn’t want my kids to be homeless,” shares Shanjula, reflecting on her children. Inspired by their mother who achieved a college degree while at the Family Gateway shelter, Deon, Susporiea, and Twquan have similarly pursued education. Deon is at Texas Tech, Precious is studying nursing at Texas Wesleyan in Ft. Worth, and next year, Twquan plans to attend either the University of North Texas or the University of Texas at Arlington to major in mechanical engineering.

During her time at Family Gateway, Harris dedicated her mornings to sending her kids to school and spent her afternoons tirelessly searching for employment. To elevate her prospects, she enrolled at Kaplan University to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Recognizing her determination, her case manager at Family Gateway suggested she consider Buckner Family Pathways, which offers transitional housing for single-parent families enrolled in higher education. Harris was grateful to move into an apartment at Buckner but never forgot the assistance she received from Family Gateway. “They lifted a heavy burden from us—providing meals and shelter,” she emphasizes. “Family Gateway was a lifeline for my family.” Within months, Harris secured a position at Baylor College of Dentistry, now Texas Health and Science Center.

Today, Harris has made significant strides. She resides in an apartment in North Dallas, holds a teaching certification, and instructs special education students in the Lancaster Independent School District. She is also pursuing a master’s degree in Psychology, while her children continue to excel academically. Deon is at Texas Tech, Precious is studying nursing at Texas Wesleyan in Ft. Worth, and Twquan plans to enroll in either the University of North Texas or University of Texas at Arlington for mechanical engineering.

Harris remains modest about her accomplishments and is eager to give back to the community. “I haven’t forgotten my roots,” she says. Harris aims to encourage local youth to visit Family Gateway. “I want them to realize how fortunate they are. Material possessions can be fleeting,” she reflects.

Looking ahead, Harris dreams of starting a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting single mothers in poverty. “My goal is to uplift and motivate them,” she conveys.

For her unwavering perseverance in overcoming challenges, achieving academic successes, and her commitment to inspiring others, Themerrythought Magazine proudly presents this month’s VIP award to Shanjula Harris.

Shanjula Harris pictured here surrounded by children at the church where she leads choir practice. “Working with the youth is a joyous assignment; just seeing their willingness to sing praises to the Lord enlightens me. I love our youth and church family,” she says. “My greatest admiration goes to my Pastor. He may not know, nor do I show it all the time, but he’s the one that helps me keep my head above the water. I’m blessed!” — In this image, Shanjula Harris is seen with children from her church where she leads choir practice. She remarks, “Working with youth brings me joy; watching their eagerness to sing praises to the Lord uplifts me. I cherish our youth and church community. I owe much to my Pastor, who may not realize it, but he plays a vital role in helping me navigate my journey. I feel truly blessed!”

About Family Gateway

Family Gateway is dedicated to eradicating child homelessness by offering innovative housing solutions alongside social and educational services for affected families.

Founded by Mayor Annette G. Strauss in 1986, Family Gateway has supported homeless families with children for nearly three decades. It provides not only safe housing and comprehensive case management but also collaborates with partner organizations to deliver a variety of services, including mental and physical health care, job training, financial literacy, and educational support like preschool options, afterschool programs, GED preparation, and higher education assistance.

Programs Make a Difference

• 100% of eligible seniors graduated from high school, surpassing the DISD average of 75%

• 22% of employed parents received promotions while involved with Family Gateway in 2013

• There has been a 750% increase in families served in the past three years

• All program outcomes exceed HUD-defined benchmarks for families securing permanent housing and increasing earned income

For more information on upcoming fundraising events or to find volunteering opportunities, visit www.FamilyGateway.org