Comprehensive Program At Ann’s House Helps Homeless Women Thrive

CINCINNATI - June 23, 2015 - PRLog -- Ann’s House, one of the few facilities in the Tri-State that accepts homeless women and their children, is a comprehensive program that covers nearly every aspect of the residents’ lives – including spiritual, emotional, financial, health and wellness, relationships and career.

Each woman stays from six months to one year, and goes through a multi-faceted curriculum that takes her from crisis to recovery and eventually independence. Ann’s House can accommodate five women and their children at a time, and has served 45 women since its inception in 2010.

To raise money to support the organization, Ann’s House is sponsoring its fourth annual 5K Walk/Run June 27, at Winton Woods. Starting from Kestrel Point in Winton Woods, race registration starts at 8 a.m. and the race at 9 a.m. Registration is $25 before the race and $27 the day of.

“We empower our women to thrive, and not just survive,” said Zakia McKinney, director of Ann’s House, which is sponsored by Junia Company, the 501c3 organization she established.  “We help them address 55 Key Life Issues – such as budgeting, networking for employment, conflict resolution, how to have healthy relationships and many other matters. We emphasize the kind of problem solving skills that will help them stay out of homelessness in the future.”

One recent graduate, Jennifer Johnson, has an especially compelling and positive story. Although she came to Ann’s House “broken, addicted, homeless with two kids and a tough marriage,” Ms. McKinney explained, Ms. Johnson completed the program in record time.

“When I first came to Ann’s House, I was addicted to alcohol, marijuana and tobacco,” Ms. Johnson said. “Ann’s House reintroduced God into my life and provided me with counsel in many various areas. They helped me build my resume so I could get a job within 45 days. They provided Fresh Start, a deliverance class, which helped me forgive others and myself to be healed.”

Women come from all walks of life to Ann’s House. Studies show that, for women, the main reasons for homelessness are domestic violence, income loss, lack of affordable housing and substance abuse. In Cincinnati, where African Americans make up 43 percent of the population, African Americans comprise 70 percent of the city’s homeless population.

“I have learned how to manage a schedule, make a successful savings account, and much more,” Ms. Johnson continued. “And Ann’s House was also a part of the blessing of the vehicle that was donated to me by Crossroads. With God and Ann’s House, I have completed nearly all of my goals.”

To help Ann’s House continue to support, heal, encourage and empower homeless women and their children, sign up to do the walk/run on June 27. Registration is $25 before the event and $27 the day of the race. You can also donate through GoFundMe at http://www.gofundme.com/AnnsHouse5K ; log onto http://www.juniacompany.com or call 513-544-6957.

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About the Junia Company:

The Junia Company, established by Zakia McKinney, is a unique non-profit development company focused on serving, developing and empowering women, widows and the next generation. The Junia Company offers life-enriching services, like Ann’s House, that are effective and challenging for those who want to change and fulfill their destiny. The Junia Company is a 501c3 organization. Junia Company Founder Zakia McKinney has been teaching, mentoring women, developing teams and motivating leaders and others for more than 21 years.