A community that offers a hand up—and a fresh start 

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV)-- Makinze, a mom of five and a recent graduate of the Pivotal Point transitional program, never imagined the impact her journey would have — not just on herself, but on the people around her. 

Between her accomplishments and her determination to turn things around, she said it’s been a transformative time. 

“My kids have been in foster care and during that time, I went through a really rough time. My children's father passed away seven months ago, and I was living with my in-laws and just fighting to get my kids back,” Makinze said.  

At some point, she realized something had to change. If she wanted a different future for her family, she had to build it herself. That’s when she decided to apply to Pivotal Point. 

For her, it felt like the start of a whole new chapter.  

“It was a huge thing for me, and I wanted to show other people it was possible to make this change and to use your resources around you,” Makinze said.  

Before coming to the program, Makinze admitted she didn’t fully understand how powerful the spirit of "community" could be.  

But once she stepped in and started taking advantage of everything available — counseling, guidance, support — she began to see just how much she wasn’t alone. 

At first, though, even applying was hard.  

“I wasn’t sure exactly. It was going to be a change and I was going to be on my own, and I hadn’t been on my own for about eight years,” Makinze added.  

Once the program began, she was able to use her resources, such as family guidance and seeking help from her counselor, to push herself in the journey.  

She admitted the process of transitioning was very challenging, with many difficult weeks that she had to overcome.  

“Even still, to this day, it is pretty rough. I mean, being with somebody for so long and not having my children with me and just living in silence is kinda how it is,” Makinze said.  

Once she began the program, she leaned into the support around her — meeting with her counselor, accepting family guidance and pushing herself even when it felt uncomfortable.  

"She came in so far, and I am proud of all our residents. They are such wonderful people and even the people in the community. They help us with groceries because they see what we are doing here and they want to be a part of it,” Pivotal Point Executive Director Rick Lipira said.  

He talked about how the place really feels like a community—one that helps people transition into a better life, especially those who are experiencing homelessness.  

Lipira said, it’s not just about giving people a temporary fix; it’s about showing them a different, healthier way to live. 

For Makinze, things are finally starting to turn around. She’s been able to have visitations with her kids and working full-time has really boosted her confidence. She said she feels happier and more hopeful about the future.