Just ahead of Mother’s Day, Jessica Avalos, a 36-year-old mother and former lifeguard, received a life-changing surprise: a fully furnished home for herself and her 10-month-old daughter, Pearl.

The emotional homecoming took place May 7 in Venice, where Holliday’s Helping Hands unveiled the newly decorated space, marking a major milestone in Avalos’ journey from homelessness and substance dependency to stability and sobriety.

Avalos credits the nonprofit not only with securing her housing, but with helping her rebuild her life from the ground up. Through the organization’s hands-on programming, she developed essential life skills, established career goals and committed to sobriety while preparing for independent living.

Holliday’s Helping Hands, founded by Katina Holliday in 2018, focuses on supporting people experiencing homelessness and young mothers transitioning from incarceration. The organization is known for its personalized “roadmaps” — comprehensive plans that guide clients through budgeting, job readiness, parenting skills and long-term stability.

For Avalos, the furnished home represents more than just shelter. It’s a fresh start — and a foundation for the future she’s building for herself and her daughter. She plans to return to lifeguarding, expand her expertise by training future lifeguards and eventually pursue a college degree in marine biology.