Denna's Story

I’m 23 years old and the mother of Evelyn, who is 15 months. I was a TEK participation from April 2007 until February 2008 when I gained permanent employment full time by Chicago Transit Authority.

When I started working at The Enterprising Kitchen, I didn't want to be bothered by anyone. They put me in a corner because I didn't want to talk to anyone. I had come from the penitentiary into a work release program and was sent to TEK. I learned how to deal with the women working here. I wasn't ready to grasp that all women aren't out to destroy me or use me in some way, shape or form.

I learned how to deal with women and how not to snap off at times when people don't remember that you're working toward something. I am grateful for the opportunity - this is where it all started. I learned acceptance and I humbled myself. My hope for the future is to be the best mother that I can be. I want to give her the things I didn't have - a loving, stable home, good education, love and affection. I ran away from home and I didn't give them a chance to do these things for me.

I want to give myself the chance I know I deserve, such as go back to school, and I want to get my record expunged because I want to be a teacher. I'm going to go far because I have something that it's for - my little girl.