From Survival to Renewal: How Jadus Rebuilt Her Life

Before coming to Shelters of Saratoga, Jadus had already endured more than most, including a history of abuse. “It’s been very traumatic,” she says. “I have a lot of PTSD from childhood and my twenties. Being open about what I’ve been through helps me heal.”

After serving a ten-year sentence and spending years incarcerated, Jadus faced the challenge of rebuilding her life. When her sister suggested Shelters of Saratoga after her release, Jadus was skeptical. “I pictured a gym with rows of beds and a soup line,” she admits. “But it was nothing like that—it felt like a little family house, a small community.” From the start, staff focused on stability and dignity. “They helped me with DSS, SNAP and disability – guiding me through it all,” she says. “They were so patient and understanding. They don’t just keep you on track; they help you get back on it.” When she almost fell for a housing scam, staff intervened. “My case manager caught it before any damage was done,” Jadus recalls. Within months, she had a safe, affordable apartment. “I came home in September, and by February I had my own place.”

Moving in brought anxiety. “I was scared to be alone again,” she says. “But I adapted better than I thought. Help is just a phone call or walk away. I’m always welcome at Shelters of Saratoga – for dinner, to talk. Sometimes they even drive me home.” What impressed her most was the compassion. “The staff truly care. Even when you face hurdles, they never give up on you,” she says. “People who’ve stayed in shelters across the country told me, this place is unique.”

Now, Jadus is giving back—volunteering with Healing Springs and working toward peer certification. “People always told me I should be a counselor,” she says. “I connect with people. I want to help.”

“I tried hard not to let the world squeeze out my light. To be able to smile and share that light—it means everything.” For Jadus, Shelters of Saratoga wasn’t just survival. “It was about learning how to live again.”

Jadus courageously shares her story to inspire others on their journey. Your generosity makes it possible for Jadus and those we serve to find hope, healing, and a path beyond homelessness.

Every donation supports shelter, outreach, and housing programs—helping neighbors regain stability and hope, and strengthening our entire community.