It was unlikely that Kristine would survive her first month. Emma knew that to give Kristine the life she deserved, her first year was critical. With no resources, no family support and no steady income, she walked to the church down the road.

Jessa once felt invisible inside the limits of poverty. Compassion helped her discover she was seen, loved and capable of more. Today she’s a teacher, writer and mentor to children walking the path she once walked.

For many girls, poverty builds barriers I never had to face. It limits choice, narrows vision and silences possibility long before dreams have a chance to form. But witnessing those barriers being met with compassion fills me with hope.