Karlyn knows what it feels like to have your life change in an instant and what it means to start over.
She came to Oregon in her early 30s, hopeful for a fresh start. With three young children to provide for, she set out to begin paralegal school. But soon Karlyn was trapped in a dangerous situation and witnessed violence that would change the course of her life. Karlyn spent more than 30 years behind bars. She won an appeal, but it took another 10 years before she was released. At the beginning of 2026, in her 60s, Karlyn was finally freed.
Ten years earlier, Karlyn had written to Sponsors, asking for help. Sponsors replied with an offer of safe transitional housing. When Karlyn was finally free a decade later, Sponsors still honored that offer.
At Sponsors, Karlyn found what she describes as a “soft nest.” She had a comfortable bed, real clothes, a view of trees, and, perhaps most importantly, people who cared about her. Staff members Melissa and Destiny welcomed her with open arms.
Karlyn described: “Melissa opened the window in my room and reached her arms out to show me I was free. Then she pointed to the soft quilt I was sitting on. ‘You keep that,’ she said.”
“It was one of the first things that was mine,” Karlyn recalls, feeling the quilt on her fingertips.
Your generosity makes moments like this possible. It gives women like Karlyn a safe place, caring people to welcome them home, and the practical resources they need to build a new life.
Karlyn was ready to make the most of her opportunity. When she arrived at Sponsors’ Reentry Resource Center (RRC), Deputy Director Hunter Nelms was there to greet her. He assured Karlyn and helped her feel confident as she took the first challenging steps in rebuilding her life. In the RRC, she created a resume and learned how to use her new cell phone. Her Peer Specialist, Reilly, helped her keep track of appointments, housing applications, and more.
Up every morning at 5 a.m., Karlyn was out the door by 5:30, looking for work. On a typical gray spring day, she tried to beat the rain she knew was coming. She walked quickly to apply for a job. With just a few blocks to go, the sky opened up, and Karlyn was drenched. She recalls walking up the stairs to All-Star Staffing, soaking wet but still determined. She wanted to burst into tears, but instead sat down and shared her story. Inspired, they called her back the next day to offer her the job. All-Star Staffing believes in second-chance employment and in Karlyn; they celebrated her first 100 days of freedom with an office party. She continues to excel in her role.
Today, Karlyn has transitioned from Sponsors into PNW Uplift, a safe and sober group home. She is being trained to run the next group home that opens. She looks forward to helping others rebuild their lives.
Karlyn’s story is a powerful reminder that second chances are about more than just freedom. They require a safe place to land, a supportive community, and the opportunity to discover who you can become.
Karlyn is grateful for her faith, her people, and the soft landing she found at Sponsors. With her characteristic warmth, she says, “You make the best of what you get handed.”
You gave Karlyn the chance to begin anew, and she is making the most of it.