At 16, Tamara Joshua faced homelessness and an unexpected pregnancy, carrying the weight of generational cycles and personal disappointment.
Her turning point came through a connection with a dedicated social worker and the nurturing environment at Crittenton. There, Tamara found more than shelter. She found safety, stability, and the confidence to rebuild her life. She embraced motherhood with hope, learning to breastfeed, trust others, and believe in second chances. One of her most significant memories at Crittenton was something many take for granted: being able to sleep safely through the night.
Today, Tamara is the Director of Catering at Salsarita’s, leading with passion and purpose. She raised five children at a young age, driven by a deep desire to give them a better life. Now a proud mother and joyful grandmother, Tamara beams with pride at her oldest daughter, a Central Piedmont Community College graduate who is thriving in a meaningful career within the school system.
Tamara also values the importance of mental health. She encourages others to be open, seek therapy when needed, and talk through their trauma, especially the kind that often goes unspoken. She recognizes that cultural and religious beliefs can sometimes discourage people from seeking help, but she believes healing begins with honesty and self-compassion.
Her advice to current Crittenton clients is simple but powerful:
“Believe in yourself and keep pushing. If you don’t believe in yourself, you won’t move forward.”
Tamara’s journey is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the enduring strength of motherhood. Her story is a reminder of what is possible when support meets determination and why places like Crittenton matter.