By Lauren E. Brajer
Shanell is a devoted mother of eight children, ranging in age from 1 to 18. At just 32 years old, her life story is one of profound loss, unwavering resilience and an unbreakable commitment to her family.
Over the past several years, Shanell’s strength has been tested time and time again. In 2023, she lost her partner and the father of her children, a devastating blow that left her grieving while suddenly carrying the full responsibility of raising her family alone. Even in the midst of heartbreak, Shanell pushed forward, determined to provide for her children.
Tragedy struck again in 2025 when Shanell lost both her mother and her best friend just two days apart. These were the people she leaned on most, her support system, her safety net. Their sudden loss compounded her grief and created overwhelming emotional and financial strain. Soon after, Shanell and her children experienced homelessness.
Despite everything, Shanell refused to give up.
She continued working and showing up for her children every day. With the dedicated support of Lunch Break Family Promise of Monmouth County, Shanell began fighting her way back to stability. Today, she and her family are temporarily housed in a hotel while she works, saves and plans for a permanent home, a place where her children can feel safe and begin to heal.
One of Shanell’s greatest challenges has been transportation. After her vehicle broke down several years ago, she relied on walking, public transportation and ride services just to get through each day. Even with these barriers, Shanell maintained employment and continued caring for her children, never allowing obstacles to define her future.
A reliable vehicle will be transformative for Shanell and her family. It means safely transporting her children, accessing better job opportunities and gaining the independence that reliable transportation provides. Through Lunch Break Family Promise’s prevention and diversion program, Shanell is receiving life skills training, food, clothing and ongoing support. With their assistance, she will be able to cover car registration and insurance, removing the final barriers standing between her and long-term stability.
“Shanell is an incredible mother who has never stopped fighting for her children,” said Memone Crystian, Director of Lunch Break Family Promise Housing. “She works hard, she shows up every single day and she puts her kids first no matter how heavy the circumstances. Sometimes even the strongest parents just need a break and a moment of support to help them get back on their feet. Shanell has done the work. Our role is simply to walk alongside her as she continues moving forward.”
This vehicle represents more than just transportation.
It represents hope.
It represents progress.
It represents the step up Shanell has been working tirelessly toward, a chance to move from survival to stability, and from stability to success.
Lunch Break Family Promise of Monmouth County is proud to walk alongside Shanell as she rebuilds her life and creates a brighter future for her children.
Special thanks to Advance Auto Parts, Steve Shannon Tire, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, The Brunswick Social Club, New Manolo’s Auto Car, Midas of North Brunswick, NJ, Collin Hamel (CEO & COO) and Brian Beers (owner) and our representatives from Family Promise Northeast Region for making all this happen! 
