Since her arrival into the world, Myracle has been the ultimate example of strength. Born three months early and weighing only 1.5 pounds, Myracle’s parents were told she would only live minutes after being born … so her mere existence in that moment was a “miracle” enough for them.
Myracle’s family has always been an uplifting and encouraging force in her life. When Myracle was 13, her mother passed away. Her dad was determined to raise his children well, so he worked several jobs to care for Myracle and her two siblings. Myracle credits his selfless love, her family’s unending support and her faith in God for all she has today.
Myracle is now the proud mother of her own daughter, Imani (12). Imani loves volunteering in Knoxville, and she is her mom’s number one supporter in everything she does. Together they love serving God, helping others and preparing for their future home.
In addition to being a full-time single mom, Myracle works three jobs and is an active community member. She is a scholar coach at a local school, helping and encouraging kids to understand and exhibit good behaviors. She is the assistant manager at a fast food restaurant, where she has faithfully worked for over 27 years. And after answering a call from God, Myracle became a youth pastor too.
Through her work, Myracle devotes her time to supporting youth, especially young women. She leads a Sunday school class, teaching her students about history, culture and the important and unique roles women can have. At her school, Myracle hosts meetings educating students about social media safety, gratitude, how to be a good listener and friend and more. Furthermore, she leads a girls’ group that empowers and encourages young women, coaches cheerleaders and serves on many social committees.
Myracle spends her time serving others and uplifting young women and girls because she knows the impact women have when they stand up and help one another. “I appreciate my co-workers and my friends who help me, even just to get through a difficult day,” she said. “I can really see the women that have stepped in and had a hand in my life over the years.”
With an abundance of work, family and life commitments, Myracle dreams of having a place of her own to call home.
Currently, Myracle and Imani live in a small space with unsafe living conditions. There is no central heat or air, so the temperature inside reaches extreme temperatures throughout the year. There are no showers; they can only take baths. Extensive problems with plumbing and leaks have caused $1,000 utility bills. After three years of constant water repairs, their main water line was finally dug up, leaving a pile of mud as their front yard.
Myracle’s biggest concern, however, is the crime they have encountered in their surrounding neighborhood.
Myracle says, “My daughter cannot go outside. I park right at my door. If we want to ride bikes, we have to load our bikes in the car and drive down to [another neighborhood]. My daughter deserves somewhere she can go outside, where she can make friends, where she can play.”
Myracle decided to partner with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity after one of her best friends told her about the program. After talking with her friend, Myracle was excited to apply and began taking steps toward homeownership even before being accepted.
Imani is also taking steps to prepare for their future home. Myracle has been teaching Imani the habit of saving money, and they now work together to save money and cut costs. Imani has even offered to give up her allowance to help save money for the house. They take their chores seriously so that, when they move, they know how to take care of their house.
Myracle is excited for the opportunity their new home will bring for her and for her daughter. It will provide a space for Myracle to mentor and empower more young girls. It will create space where she can cook for her family. This new home will bring strength, stability and independence for Myracle and Imani, and they will use it to empower others.
Myracle said, “I have already learned so much about keeping up with what we’re doing and about saving money… I am just so glad for all the people who saw enough in me to give me opportunities.”
