Staff Stories: Jentrix
Jentrix
“If you trust God, he will lift you up (from Grass to Grace).”
“From Grass to Grace,” is a saying that Jentrix—the Director of the Residential Department at Neema—believes in. By this she means that if you trust in God, he will guide and comfort you. Jentrix grew up with both parents in difficult circumstances. In Grade 6, her father got a job, but her mother struggled raising Jentrix and her 11 siblings. All of her siblings needed to be in school, so when Jentrix reached Grade 9 the fees became too much, and her dad could no longer afford her schooling. She then got married and was unable to continue with her education.
Jentrix works in Neema’s old kitchen before our new campus was built.
“I used to do casual jobs (by washing people's clothes)”
While in school, Jentrix was able to participate in various activities that she enjoyed. She explains that because of her experience with school, she is now able to interact with many different people. This translates into her work at Neema as a Matron and Director of the Residential Department. She stays with the students and their children on weeknights and makes sure that they are safe and healthy and doing their duties and school work.
She used to do casual jobs, such as washing peoples clothes, but with her job at Neema she is now able to support her children, her two parents, and her brother financially.
Unfortunately, her husband has passed away, but she has five children. Jentrix explains that her church members encouraged her and helped her be strong when she lost her husband.
Jentrix (right) works with Neema students to prepare dinner at our previous campus.
“My relationship with God motivates me to take care of these girls and their children in a loving way as my own children.”
Jentrix has a strong relationship with God that has not only helped her in her own life, but also motivates her to take care of the students and their children. She believes in the young women’s abilities to strive and become successful people. She endeavors to be a mother figure to them, and she loves that she can ensure they are safe and help them get an income.
Her favorite part of work is spending time with the young women and teaching them to treat the others at Neema as family. She teaches them spirituality through morning and evening devotions as well.
Her hope for Neema is to see more students and their children be able to attend and continue to see growth in the organization, like the recent expansion and construction of our new campus.