In February 2025, Sharon Beans, a single mother of two, left the motel she was living in temporarily and stepped into her new home at Imani Park in Edison, NJ – the first home she has ever had that was “hers.”

“I’ve never had a home, even growing up,” said Sharon. “It was not always emotionally safe. So that’s what molded me into getting into (abusive) relationships. Instead of becoming abusive, I became one of the needy people.”

Growing up in South River, NJ, Sharon experienced challenges at home that continued its cycle into adulthood. Her first and second marriages were unstable, and Sharon was mistreated. As can happen with survivors of domestic violence with a lifetime of trauma, she was conditioned to tolerate abuse and felt she had no way to get out and support herself and her children.

In April 2024, her husband had a stroke and was unable to work, rendering the family homeless in June 2024. In the process of searching for resources and housing, Sharon was able to leverage the system to separate herself and the children from her husband. She connected with New Jersey’s Department of Child Protection & Permanency who placed them in the Motel 6 that became their home for eight months.

Her time in the hotel was fraught with challenges, severe food insecurity due to limited resources meant they may not eat for days sometimes. Furthermore, life in a confined space was unfit for an adult and two teens. Additionally, both of her children are managing the effects of many years of trauma and abuse as well as life on the autism spectrum.

When Sharon’s son, now 17, was diagnosed seven years ago, their father was not accepting of, or willing to support assistance of his diagnosis. Her son would not leave the hotel room and still has limited access with the outside world, even forgoing his education. Her daughter, 16, though not formally diagnosed, has selective mutism and is very guarded creating issues communicating with others. Both conditions created issues with some program requirements.

Throughout the process, Sharon was able to connect with Coming Home of Middlesex County and Catholic Charities to work towards finding a permanent place to live. They introduced her to Mission First’s Director of Program Management Melissa Mascolo. She took a tour of Imani Park and was anxious to move in. Melissa put her at ease and discussed the program and how we can help her get back on her feet.

“Sharon and I first met during her initial screening appointment for Imani Park late summer 2024,” said Melissa. “She attended the screening with her case manager from the Catholic Charities PATH (Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness), who has been very supportive of her and her children. I was impressed by Sharon’s ability to articulate her story, the needs of her family, the barriers they had met and the goals and action plan she had in place. It was clear to me that she was a strong advocate for herself and her children.”

“I just started crying, because that was my place,” said Sharon. “Finally, I got my own place. I can’t even explain it in words. It was amazing because that’s my home. I never honestly knew what a home was until I walked in here.”

Sharon is adapting to her new surroundings and likes the calm and quiet of her new apartment building. She is happy to be working with Melissa. “Melissa is emotionally supportive; we connected,” she said, elaborating on her appreciation for Melissa’s work ethic and determination to ensure that she has what she needs to be successful. She also bonded with new Senior Property Manager Michelle Burwell, profiled below, and knows Michelle is committed to ensuring she has the support in her housing. Both women provide Sharon the accountability she knows she needs.

Sharon now feels she can finally “be a parent” and her children are getting the support and services they need, and she can see some changes already. Sharon is also in a weekly three and a half hour women’s trauma program that teaches her how to respectfully be assertive, channel her anger and manage her fear of sudden movements.

“Once Sharon moved in, she quickly engaged internal and external supports to move beyond planning towards implementation,” said Melissa. “She has been taking advantage of the various onsite groups and activities we offer in Edison, meeting with me for 1:1 check-ins and attending groups with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. As a single parent, it is incredibly challenging to juggle all these things—especially in a new environment—yet she has been successfully navigating and staying focused day after day.”

Once the dust settles, she looks forward to working again after nearly 9 years of being unemployed. Her goals are to start college or complete a training program in search of a career in elder care and get a job at an adult day care.

Sharon also strives to be an advocate for and empower women and men who have endured physical and emotional abuse. She wants to start support groups at the property and in the community where she can tell her story of trauma and inspire others to believe in their own worth, Sharon also wants to work with community groups and local officials to review some the policies for survivors of domestic violence so that they have more rights and opportunities to move past their situation.

Sharon, we are very proud of the amazing steps you have taken in your short time with Mission First Supportive Housing: Edison and look forward to your successes.