Cicely

Cicely, a St. Louis native, entered the program after leaving prison last year. While aware of her past mistakes, she does not dwell on them. Rather, she uses them as motivation to create a new life for herself and her five children.

Since coming to Keyway, Cicely has seized every day as an opportunity to become a better person than she was the day before. She surrounds herself with positive people, and spreads her own optimism to everyone she meets. Her optimism has served her well, evident by her numerous achievements over the past year.

Cicely participated in the Justine PETERSEN Aspire Entrepreneurship Program, where she learned the ins and outs of starting a business. She graduated at the top of her class, securing continued financial support for the business plan she created! Shortly after her graduation, she secured employment and has been working tirelessly to make her dreams a reality.

She attributes Keyway with giving her the space she needs to self-reflect, the encouragement to help her grow, and the support she needs to reach her goals. Cicely explains, “I’m just grateful,” for Keyway and its staff, who all care for her and offer support (and hugs!) when needed.

Looking ahead, Cicely wants to study interior design and is working to open her own business: a custom traveling boutique. Her creativity leads her to produce beautiful, unique, hand-made items. Ultimately, though, she says, “I want to open up a Barbara Baker House of my own,” to give back and encourage women never to give up on themselves.