June 15, 2008 was filled with excitement. At the center of all the excitement was Jillene Pruiett, a recent graduate who eagerly worked the New Life Community program and successfully received her GED. All of Jillene’s hard work and dedication concluded in a GED and Graduation ceremony.  Jillene’s friends, family and members of New Life Community came out to celebrate and support her first, but not last graduation, as she declared that there are limitless possibilities for learning and education.

 Everyone who made remarks about Jillene linked her experience to the song and noted how her life experience has made her stronger, wiser, and better. By the end of the song, everyone was crying tears of joy along with Jillene. The most excitement came when Milton Clement, GED instructor at New Life Community presented her with her well deserved GED certificate.

 Jillene’s enthusiastic shared her positive experience and thanks. The ceremony ended with her children telling the audience what they liked most about New Life Community, and her girls sharing a "praise dance" to Kirk Franklin’s song “I Need You to Survive” for all in attendance.

Jillene was presented with countless words of encouragement for actively pursuing a better life for herself and her children. Jillene’s journey has inspired her children to pursue education, her friends to turn their dreams into reality, and the staff of New Life Community to continue to invest in the residents.

Jillene is only one of many successful graduates! Look for more success stories to come.