Jessica Currie - A Change Maker

By Terry L. Watson

Photos Provided by Jessica Currie

The journey for Milwaukee, WI, resident Jessica Currie has been marked by faith and determination. At one point in her life, she was a homeless teen mom and high school dropout, but through perseverance, God has transformed her into a beacon of hope and inspiration for others.

Today, Jessica serves as the executive director of Missionary Currie for Women and Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving women fleeing domestic violence and providing emergency services to families. “We are here to share God’s love and care by strengthening the community by providing emergency shelter and supportive services to women and children who are homeless, fleeing domestic/sexual violence, or in need of emergency shelter. Clients receive essential hygiene products, baby items, and emergency clothing. All services are free of charge,” Jessica says.

We are here to share God’s love and care by strengthening the community by providing emergency shelter and supportive services to women and children who are homeless, fleeing domestic/sexual violence, or in need of emergency shelter.

In addition to providing free supportive services to moms, the organization also offers its clients a wide variety of programs and necessary tools to help them overcome the causes of homelessness. They offer classes in parenting, life skills, anger management, proper nutrition and food preparation, conflict resolution, financial literacy, and spiritual development. These services are offered on a regular basis, and volunteers are available to provide one-on-one mommy mentor support.

Jessica’s testimony is one of overcoming adversity through faith and determination. Being a homeless teen mom was incredibly challenging, but she refused to let her circumstances define her future. With the support of her family and community, Jessica was able to rebuild her life and dedicate it to helping others. “My journey has taught me that with resilience and support, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges,” she says.

Jessica attended UW-Parkside and studied Nonprofit Management. She also graduated from MATC with her high school diploma and pursued Community Health Services at UW-Madison. “My personal experiences have fueled my passion for helping others and advocating for families,” she adds.

Missionary Currie for Women and Children began in 2018. The vision stemmed from Jessica’s own experiences as a homeless teen mom. She says, “I understood firsthand the struggles that women and children face in crisis situations. This motivated me to create an organization that provides not only immediate support but also long-term solutions for those in need. My goal was to offer a safe haven and a pathway to stability for women and children in distress.”

When asked what she loves most about what she does, Jessica responds that she sees the transformation in the lives of the women and children her programs serve. Additionally, she says witnessing their journey from crisis to stability and empowerment is incredibly rewarding. “Every success story reinforces my commitment to our mission and drives me to continue advocating for those in need.”

She is inspired by her family, specifically her grandmother, whom she says taught her to put others before myself. She also credits her husband and children for being a source of inspiration and says that when all odds are against her, they are there with her. “I also draw inspiration from community leaders and families who tirelessly work towards a better tomorrow,” she says.

One of the biggest challenges Jessica’s program has faced is securing sustainable funding. She says, “We developed strong relationships with donors and community partners.” Another challenge has been addressing the diverse and complex needs of the families they serve. “We tackle this by continuously adapting our services and collaborating with other organizations to provide comprehensive support.” It is very clear that there is no quit in Jessica, and the members of her community are direct beneficiaries of her resilience.

Moving forward, Jessica plans to expand the services offered by Missionary Currie for Women and Children. She also plans to reach more families in need. “We aim to establish additional shelters and create more educational and job training programs and supportive services. Our goal is to continue advocating for policy changes that protect and empower women and children. We are committed to building a future where every woman and child can live free from violence and achieve their full potential.”

www.missionarycurrieinc.org