“Community Action Raised Me”: Shaqueeda Douglas’ Story of Persistence and Possibility

When Shaqueeda Douglas says, “Community Action raised me,” she says it with certainty, gratitude, and pride.

Shaqueeda’s life has been shaped by resilience from the very beginning. She was born while her mother was incarcerated and spent much of her childhood in foster care until age 16. During those formative years, one person remained her constant source of encouragement: her grandmother. “She was my biggest supporter,” Shaqueeda shares. Her grandmother’s strength, perseverance, and unconditional love left a lasting impression—one that continues to guide Shaqueeda’s goals and values today.

As a young person navigating independence and searching for stability, Shaqueeda experienced homelessness and spent time at CAI’s Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless. During a period of uncertainty, the shelter provided safety, structure, and support—reinforcing that she was not alone and that help was available when she needed it most.

When Shaqueeda’s grandmother later passed away from cancer, the loss deeply affected her. Not knowing how to care for her during that time left a lasting mark. That experience inspired Shaqueeda to pursue a future as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), driven by a desire to care for loved ones and provide knowledgeable, compassionate support to others during vulnerable moments.

Over the years, Shaqueeda has navigated significant barriers while raising four children as a single mother. At multiple points in her life, she relied on CAI’s housing services, including accessing the agency’s Coordinated Entry System to help navigate housing instability and connect to appropriate resources. Through each challenge, Community Action remained a consistent presence—offering not just programs, but people who listened, responded, and believed in her potential.

Shaqueeda graduated from CAI’s Beloit Fresh Start Program, where the structure, accountability, and encouragement helped her build discipline and renew her commitment to personal growth. “That program helped me want better for myself,” she says.

Her most recent milestone came in 2025, when she graduated from CAI’s Project Thrive program—an intensive workforce and self-sufficiency initiative designed to support individuals re-entering the community after incarceration. When Shaqueeda walked through CAI’s doors seeking support after a recent incarceration, Project Thrive staff responded immediately.

“Tiffany listened to my story and said, ‘I have the perfect program for you—and I’m here to help,’” Shaqueeda recalls.

From the start, Project Thrive staff met Shaqueeda where she was. During the program, she again experienced housing instability and relied on emergency housing support, staying in a hotel while working toward stability. Despite these challenges, Shaqueeda maintained perfect attendance—the only participant in her cohort to do so.

Through Project Thrive, Shaqueeda received support with food, clothing, and housing needs. During the holidays, CAI ensured her children had gifts to open on Christmas morning. Staff remained available even during setbacks, answering her calls and offering encouragement during moments when giving up might have felt easier.

“I feel like God carried me through Community Action,” she says. “They answered my calls. They never turned their backs on me.”

One of Shaqueeda’s most meaningful moments in the program was watching The Pursuit of Happyness with her cohort. The message of perseverance resonated deeply. “Life gets hard—but it gets better if you don’t give up,” she reflects.

Project Thrive’s mock interviews and employment readiness training helped Shaqueeda secure employment at Amazon, where she is currently working while saving to return to school to pursue her CNA certification in Wisconsin. Even after experiencing a second incarceration shortly after graduating Project Thrive, CAI staff remained steadfast. The incentive check Shaqueeda earned through completing the program helped her secure release, and upon returning to the community, Project Thrive staff immediately helped her reconnect to employment and supportive services.

At the heart of Shaqueeda’s story is relationship. One of the most significant connections in her life has been with Sara Schumacher, CAI’s Compliance Manager, who previously served as her case manager as a Social Worker. Sara supported Shaqueeda through some of her most vulnerable moments—helping with diapers for her children, attending her grandmother’s funeral, and consistently showing up without judgment.

“She helped in any capacity she could,” Shaqueeda says. “She made Community Action part of my life.” To this day, Shaqueeda regularly stops by CAI’s main office to visit Sara—a testament to the trust and respect built over time.

Today, Shaqueeda is focused not only on stability for her family, but on giving back. Inspired by her children, she wrote and published a children’s book based on her daughter’s experience at age 12. The book is dedicated to her grandmother and honors the legacy of working hard to create a better future for the next generation. So far, Shaqueeda has sold 52 copies.

Looking ahead, Shaqueeda has big dreams. She plans to write more books, create affirmation cards for youth, start a youth group, and continue working alongside nonprofit organizations in the community. “Project Thrive made me want to do more,” she says.

When asked what sets Community Action apart, Shaqueeda doesn’t hesitate: “They have the resources—and if they don’t, they help you find them. They never give up on you.”

Shaqueeda’s journey is a powerful reminder that progress is not always linear—and that long-term, relationship-based support can change lives. Through Community Action’s commitment to dignity, flexibility, and belief in human potential, Shaqueeda continues moving forward—strong, self-sufficient, and determined to build a brighter future for herself, her children, and her community.