CWJC Impacts Mom of Six, Bringing a New Hope for a Future Generation

A strengthened faith, a supportive faith family, and a hopeful future are all things Desiree Haller feels she gained by participating in the programs Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC), a WMU Compassion Ministry, has to offer.

Desiree grew up in Tennessee’s foster care system before aging out at 18 years old. She later moved to Louisiana to escape a domestic violence situation. There she met a friend who “was Jesus” to her. This person showed Desiree God’s love through constant hospitality and kindness. When this friend invited Desiree to church, she happily accepted the invitation. Desiree gave her life fully to Christ in 2017.

As a mother to five children, Desiree began to feel God calling her to make a change. She had been working with a Christian company for several years at this point, but it became clear to her that she needed to further her education to be the best example she could be for her children. Unsure where or how to begin, she reached out to her friend, who put her in touch with the CWJC site in Monroe, Louisiana.

After successfully registering and being accepted into this free program, Desiree began her journey to earn her high school diploma while pregnant with her sixth child. Being busy is an understatement to describe this season of her life, but Desiree trusted and leaned on God to help her put in the hard work necessary to achieve her calling. Some days she would work 12-to-16-hour shifts before picking up her children and then going to school. After two years, on May 23, 2024, Desiree proudly graduated with her high school diploma as her children cheered loudly from the audience.

Beyond a diploma, CWJC offered Desiree and her family hope. She was given the opportunity to share her testimony for the first time, which brought healing and inspired others. Her faith was challenged and strengthened through the devotions and times of prayer she was able to become involved in. As she described all CWJC provides to its participants, she said, “It’s more than just education. You build a sisterhood; you build a family.”

Now Desiree is registered to start her nursing degree at Louisiana Tech University. She is a proud and grateful alumna of the CWJC site in Monroe. She also earned membership in its honor society as a result of her work ethic, punctuality, and character. She hopes her story will inspire others to embrace change, put in hard work, and rely on the Lord through it all.

To see how you can play a vital role as Christian Women’s Job Corps and Christian Men’s Job Corps continue impacting people’s lives or to get in touch with a site near you, visit christianjobcorps.com.