The Story of Breyana

Since Better Way Detroit (BWD) started its ministry six years ago to provide the dignity of work for the homeless residents of the city, the majority of participants have been men. But recently, women have become a major segment of those served by the ministry - women like Breyana. 

This mother of five children now has stable employment and her Christian faith is a major part of her life.  

Breyana currently lives in a Detroit homeless shelter with her children, ages 12, 6, 4 and 7 months. She was referred to the BWD ministry by the training and employment specialist at her shelter. After participating successfully in two 4-week BWD work programs at St. Vincent de Paul and the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Breyana was referred to Empowerment Plan where she got a job as a seamstress.   

Breyana’s oldest children attend school in the Detroit Public School system, and the two youngest are in daycare while Breyana works. She knows she has to find childcare for all her children once school is out. “I won’t be able to go to work unless I have childcare,” she said. She is trying to get the children enrolled in a special summer program. “I have faith that it will work out,” she said. 

Breyana credits Better Way Detroit and our Operations Manager, Quiane Bates, for supporting her during a difficult time. “With all my life challenges that I was facing…it was so hard figuring things out,” she said. “There was just a lot of stuff I needed to do. When I started at Better Way, things started to fall into place and roll together. They prepare you for the world, to come out for employment. Just everything you need. (Quiane) helped get me where I am now with Empowerment Plan, which is a more long term position. She helped me so much.”  

Breyana believes the BWD ministry not only helps people get jobs, but also inspires them and makes them psychologically stronger. 

“I let life’s challenges pull me down, but I had to realize I was stronger than what I thought I was,” she said. “That’s what brought my faith higher. I continued to push regardless of what was going on. Still to this day I am having challenges. But my faith in God is never going to change.” 

Breyana encourages anyone who finds themselves in difficult circumstances like hers to consider BWD. 

“I had a really great experience so I told others about it,” she said. “I know there are a lot of people looking forward to BWD and Quiane coming back to recruit people.”