LaKisha Hester talks to God, and God talks back.
Six years ago, LaKisha felt God’s presence during her surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from her spine. As the doctors worked, LaKisha asked God why her life was collapsing.
Trauma she carried from growing up in foster care haunted her. A cherished relationship ended. Her father was dying from cancer as LaKisha wrestled with it on the operating table. She had no family by her side apart from a cousin and her children. She was ready to give up.
But God told her to remain faithful, that she was a wonderful mother, and that she wasn’t alone. LaKisha woke from surgery with grateful tears.
In the years that followed, no matter how challenging life became for LaKisha — whether due to job loss, homelessness, or another fight with cancer — she endured, worked hard, and held onto God’s unchanging hand.
In November of last year, while at work, LaKisha suffered chemical burns to her hands. She tried to continue working but couldn’t; the injury was too severe. Financial difficulties ensued. She was in jeopardy of losing her home and struggled to feed her children.
But just when LaKisha couldn’t see a way through, God made a way.
In late April, she learned about Better Together from a story on Facebook. As LaKisha read, she didn’t think it was real. But she believed in God’s guidance. So she reached out for help.
Family Support Manager Naomi Kuriatnyk went to Ocala to meet LaKisha and her children. Naomi brought groceries and listened to her story. They collaborated and developed a plan that would help LaKisha thrive again.
Partnership Manager Cassidy Vaughn connected LaKisha to Brother’s Keeper, the social service outreach ministry of Blessed Trinity Church, for rental assistance. Cassidy also facilitated a donation of an e-bike to LaKisha from supporter Alex F., arranged a birthday celebration for her daughter, Nevaeh, and introduced LaKisha to volunteer mentor Alecia Randolph.
“She’s overcome so much. When one family goes down, all of us have to pull together,” said Alecia, who has driven LaKisha to job interviews and sends her Psalms Bible verses regularly.
Community partners and volunteers to include the Central Florida Community Action Agency, John 3:16 & 17 Boxing Club, Fashion Cut Academy, Weide Automotive Repair, Sarah Leppert and Aurora Herring have also provided essential resources.
“I’ve never had people to genuinely care for me like everyone with Better Together does,” said LaKisha, who recently began working at FedEx and is in training for a managerial job at a retirement center.
LaKisha’s children are also thriving. Her son, Jaylon, graduated from middle school in May, and her daughter, Branasia, is headed to college. Asonti, Nevaeh, and Prince are also well.
“I’m just so thankful that God is real,” said LaKisha.
“I won’t give up on life.”
