We often say that we are “better together,” and two of our resilient mothers have taken that to heart within their career pursuits. Elise and Yesena knew from the beginning of their journey with SRS that they wanted to pursue a career in cosmetology; however, they didn’t realize they would be doing it together.
Yesenia

Yesenia is an old soul, full of wisdom from her lived experiences. Her journey with St. Raymond’s began after she decided she needed to see an environment more conducive for her growth and with more stability for her daughter.
From the get-go, she told our coaching staff about her plans to attend Paul Mitchell School, and her determination has carried her past many obstacles to get there. She has been taking cosmetology classes and has since transitioned to the floor to now accept her own clients.
She is also one of sixteen SRS clients who became debt free in 2023. For her next steps Yesenia has decided to continue her education by enrolling in nursing school at MACC and started classes this fall!
Elise

Upon recommendation from Yesenia, gentle-spirited Elise applied to St. Raymond’s during a period of coach hopping. Full of hope to build stability in their life, she soon moved into the SRS home and gave birth to her beautiful daughter, Loraya, just weeks later.
She has consistently attended SRS program classes and worked toward her dream of enrolling in Paul Mitchel School to become a licensed aesthetician. We are excited to share that Elise has graduated from Paul Mitchell with her esthetician license and we could not be prouder of her.
Rochara Knight, Client Program Director, says, “It is inspiring to see how they have been able to rely on each other through their process. Even outside of their schooling, they’ve helped each other with everything from childcare to daily encouragement. As Yesenia has already been a mom for several years, she has been able to guide Elise through early motherhood questions.”
A Journey of Support and Success
The stories of Yesenia and Elise beautifully illustrate the power of community and shared strength. At St. Raymond’s Society, we believe that no mother should have to walk her path alone, and these two incredible women are a testament to that belief. Their journeys reflect the heart of our mission: saving lives by empowering new and expectant mothers to build a thriving future for themselves and their families.
If you’re a mother seeking guidance, stability, and a supportive community, we encourage you to contact us. St. Raymond’s Society is here to help you achieve your dreams, just like Yesenia and Elise.
For those who want to make a difference, your support is vital. By donating to St. Raymond’s Society, you enable us to continue providing the resources, education, and community that make stories like these possible. Together, we can empower more mothers to thrive and create brighter futures for their families.
Join us in making a lasting impact—because we truly are better together.