Shanice

Community Resources Guide
Cincinnati, OH

Before joining firsthand as a Community Resource Guide, Shanice worked to connect the homeless community with vital mental health services, housing, and resources to overcome barriers. Shanice brings both professional and personal experiences to her role, making her insights and assistance invaluable to those she serves.

Shanice became a mother at 15 and had a second child at 18. She navigated the complexities of single motherhood while still in her teens. Despite these early hurdles, she graduated high school as the class speaker, supported by a community that recognized her potential. Shanice dealt with depression postpartum depression, isolation, and the demanding journey of growing up while raising two children. 

Her commitment to mental health is very personal. Shanice finds strength in weekly counseling sessions and has learned the importance of mental wellness, and her family attends group counseling sessions to better communicate with each other and learn how healthy families operate. She embraces continued learning, coping mechanisms, and granting herself grace. Her son just graduated high school, which allowed her to reflect on the culmination of her efforts and journey towards stability and fulfillment.

Shanice's passion for firsthand's mission is driven by her own experiences navigating the complexities of public assistance and mental health care. Recognizing the barriers others face in similar situations, she helps others with resource navigation, drawing from her experience with public housing, childcare vouchers, and the healthcare system. Her role at firsthand allows her to empower others with the knowledge and resources she once sought herself.

Shanice is proud of her work so far at firsthand. Recently she assisted a family in securing funding for overdue rent and future housing stability. One of the individuals in the family was also approved for Social Security Disability Income. Achievements like this make a tangible difference in people's lives.

Beyond her current work, Shanice envisions creating a resource hub for Cincinnati—a city she holds dear. She imagines a comprehensive platform that not only connects individuals with immediate assistance but also fosters a sustainable support network for the entire community. This ambition reflects her dedication not just to aiding those in immediate need but also to building a stronger, more resilient community for generations to come.