Meet Huck House Youth Award Winner, Jania Perry.

After a childhood in foster care and being adopted at 14, Jania came from Rhode Island to Ohio when she turned 18 because her biological mother lived here. “Don’t underestimate me!” is the motto that guides Jania through life. If you do underestimate her, she will do what it takes to prove you wrong. She is a hard worker and has maintained employment while in Huck House’s Transitional Living Program. One of her goals is to pay off loans.

Her strength and determination are especially evident when it comes to her young daughter. Jania is committed to being the best parent she can be and boldly states that her daughter comes before everything. Jania left an abusive relationship to keep her daughter safe. She diligently applies what she learns from her parenting lessons. She says that the most important thing she has learned from her parent mentor is that it’s okay to let babies cry. As hard as it was, she knew she had to move her daughter to her own room. And that meant listening to some crying. When Jania is with her daughter, Huck House staff observe that she is incredibly attentive and always teaching new things. With a little giggle, Jania will tell you, “I’ve learned that kids are funny!”