October 2025: Melissa’s Story from the Waitlist

Melissa is the second born of five children from her biological parents (her father also has six other children from a different relationship). Melissa’s situation dramatically changed six years ago when her father lost his job due to his alcoholism and could no longer support her education.

Her mother, who is also unemployed, was able to get help from relatives to support Melissa’s education.

Unfortunately, this financial support was inconsistent and eventually stopped. Melissa was often turned away from school due to non-payment and she dropped out.

Melissa’s mother has been a member of Christian Family Fellowship Church, Abel and Mildred's church and the home of the Ravens Youth Empowerment Program, since 2018. She heard about Ravens and applied for support in 2022. Ravens has already begun to help Melissa seek medical treatment for a condition she has that requires surgical correction.

Melissa’s dream is to finish school and go on to become a surgeon herself. She wants to be a source of help and hope as a medical professional in her community as well as being able to support her younger siblings.