Juno, a 2025 Pawsperity graduate, can’t believe the life she has now. She spends time with her children, works in a job she loves, is making more money than she ever has in her life, and has even purchased Worlds of Fun season passes for her family. Five years ago, this was all beyond her wildest dreams.
In August of 2022, Juno was separated from her children, living on the streets, and using drugs. After spending months in jail for drug possession charges, she was at a crossroads. She knew she had to make a change or risk never seeing her kids again. Juno spent the year after her release in and out of various sober living houses and rehabilitation facilities, which is where she first heard about Pawsperity.
A friend told her that she was planning on attending the program once she was sober. Juno was intrigued—maybe this would be right for her, too. She had always loved animals, and she needed a fresh start and a new career to support her family. After her friend tragically died from an overdose, Juno took it as a sign. To honor her late friend and build her own life, she would apply to Pawsperity, too.
In March of 2024, she entered Ozark Recovery House, where she was able to focus on her sobriety and apply to Pawsperity. She knew this was the key to changing her life.
Juno was overwhelmed at her first shadow visit. The grooming room was hectic with fur flying everywhere, and it was all so different from what she knew. She was determined, though, to take her life in her own hands and gain the skills she needed to change her and her children’s path for the better.
By the end of that first day, Juno knew Pawsperity was going to be her saving grace. It took hard work, but over time, she felt herself getting better, and she fell in love with dog grooming.
Juno shared, “I thought that I loved animals, but after coming here, I had to re-learn to love them a bit. I had to pour my heart into [grooming], but I realized this was really something I wanted to turn into my life.”
On the harder days, her fellow students and her instructors gave her the encouragement she needed. She said, “We all uplifted each other—we were in it together. Every single instructor pushed me to be my best and helped me on the hard days. It helped me push myself.”
After a few months at Pawsperity, Juno’s time living at Ozark was coming to an end. She moved into a recovery house, which provided a safe place to live. However, she knew she was ready for more independence and a chance to try life on her own terms.
Juno spoke to one of the Pawsperity case managers who let her know there was an opening at Pawsperity’s Family Residence. Here she would have the opportunity to prove to herself she could live solo and have her children stay with her on the weekends.
“[The Residence] was a good steppingstone for me with my kids. We were away from each other for so long; they had to learn how to trust me again. We had so much fun; we would play downstairs, and on the playground outside. It was a really special time for us.”
As Juno’s graduation drew near, Pawsperity helped prepare her for a new career. She worked tirelessly on her resume and portfolio to give herself the best chance of landing a grooming job near her children in the Northland.
“I had my interview for my current job before I even graduated. Pawsperity’s employment specialist helped me with my resume and to find the right places to apply. The mock interviews made me feel less nervous for the real thing.”
She impressed her current employer with both her grooming skills and interpersonal skills, and had a job offer before she graduated. Things were coming together. The life Juno dreamed of was at her fingertips.
Juno says, “The thing I love most about dog grooming is the responsibility factor—these dogs are counting on me. No matter how hard it may be, I will accomplish it and feel fulfilled every single day. I’ve never ever felt like that in my life.”
After graduating, Juno started her new job and set out looking for somewhere to live. With help, she found the perfect spot at Hillcrest Hope—a two-bedroom apartment near work.
These days, Juno grooms six to seven dogs every single day and the time goes by quickly because she loves what she does. She has a car, has paid off her probation and intervention fees, and is working towards putting a down payment on a house. For the first time in a long time, she’s planning for the future.
Juno’s sons, her number one reason for getting sober and changing her life, live with her every other week. She’s able to be the mom she wanted to be, taking them to school and to activities, and spending every free moment together. Juno has the support, the career, and the funds she needs to be the mom they deserve. She cherishes this time together because of what it took to get here. Juno says, “I’m able to do the normal mom things I was supposed to be doing before. I just can’t believe this is my life. It’s so beautiful.”
