Lauren Peña shares her journey with a wish for this holiday season
In the Spirit of Giving
We're excited to introduce you to Lauren Peña, an extraordinary woman who has overcome tremendous adversity to become a beacon of hope in her community. A single mother of four, Lauren has navigated homelessness and hardship to achieve remarkable things. She's a dedicated advocate, a passionate community leader, and an inspiration to us all.
This holiday season, we invite you to join us in making Lauren's Christmas wishes come true for her and her children. We've created this Amazon Wishlist filled with items that will bring a little joy and comfort to their lives, and this monetary donation form for funds associated with Lauren’s LSAT registration and child tutoring expenses.
To learn more about Lauren's incredible journey, please read her story below.
Every contribution, big or small, will make a difference. We're accepting donations through November 15th. Let's show Lauren and her family the true spirit of the season and remind them that their community cares.
With heartfelt thanks,
Mia Johns & the Dress for Success Austin Team
Lauren’s story
At sixteen, life took an unexpected turn. Pregnant and asked to leave home, I was thrust into adulthood before I was ready. My high school, eager to avoid controversy, rushed me through graduation, leaving me with a diploma but lacking the education I deserved.
What followed was a decade of hardship, marked by homelessness and the trauma of human trafficking. It wasn't until 2020, after ten long years, that I finally secured housing for myself and my four children through the City of Austin.
Determined to build a better future, I withdrew my children from public school and began homeschooling them. Despite being unemployed, I enrolled in college, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to create a better life. The events of January 6th, 2021, shifted my focus from Criminal Justice to Political Science, igniting a passion for advocacy and change.
The weight of my past experiences led to a diagnosis of PTSD, but with the help of Texas Workforce Solutions, I found my way into vocational rehabilitation. I recently completed an intense Paralegal Certification program at the University of Texas, graduating with honors. In just a few short weeks, I will proudly hold a Bachelor's degree in Political Science.
Financial challenges remain. I owe $9,000 to my school, which could delay the release of my diploma. Still, I refuse to let this deter me. My sights are set on law school, and I hope my resilience and dedication will strengthen my application.
My ultimate dream is to open a nonprofit legal clinic in my community, providing much-needed assistance to low-income residents. I also plan to run for the Texas House of Representatives. Having lived in this community for 15 years, I understand its challenges intimately. Our current representative doesn't even reside here, and I believe my lived experiences make me uniquely qualified to serve.
My neighbors know me as a pillar of support, someone they can rely on for guidance and assistance. I'm often the one who helps them navigate bureaucracy and find the resources they need. I've also become an unofficial peacemaker, striving to bridge divides and foster understanding in a neighborhood grappling with homelessness, gang activity, and the lingering effects of past mistakes.
To better understand these issues, I attended the Austin Community Police Academy and participated in ride-alongs. This knowledge allows me to educate my community about police procedures and the law, fostering trust and cooperation.
I've served on the Austin Public Safety Commission and currently sit on the Downtown Community Court Advisory Board. These roles, though unpaid, are my full-time commitment. I'm dedicated to uniting my neighborhood and tackling the challenges we face head-on.
From organizing voter registration drives to mediating disputes, I work tirelessly to empower my community and create a brighter future for us all.
My Season for Caring wish is simple: stable employment that allows me to support my family and continue my education, and improved living conditions that provide my children with the safe and nurturing environment they deserve. With these foundations in place, I can fully dedicate myself to using my experiences and education to build a better tomorrow, not just for myself and my children, but for everyone in my community.