Stephanie Gooden By Jessica Elliott Stephanie Gooden was born in Jamaica and was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 1979. She grew up in the D.C. metropolitan area and graduated from Coolidge High School. Stephanie then went on to attend the University of the District of Columbia, but ended up putting her college education on hold after having her second child. She plans to return to college if she can get financial aid. Stephanie’s past work experience includes a lot of customer service, including working as a sales staff member at Neiman Marcus, tele-fundraising at Clean Water Action, an environmental political action organization, and waitressing at Jasper’s, a seafood restaurant in Maryland. Stephanie has four wonderful children, aged three, five, 13 and 15, and hopes one day she can provide them with financially secure futures. In her spare time, Stephanie loves to read, interact with her kids, family, friends and other loved ones. She also spends time praying and reading the Bible, thinking about God, and fulfilling God’s purpose for her life. “I hope that people use the information provided by Street Sense for personal gain, and the improvement of conditions for the homeless population,” Stephanie said. How did you become homeless? I was very sick and fell behind on my rent. At that point I lost my place. Rather than impose on a friend or family member, I chose to live in a shelter until I could gain my financial independence. Why do you sell Street Sense? I sell it because it is a well-written, informative newspaper with a great office staff. It pro- vides an income with a flexible, independent work schedule. Where do you see yourself five years from now? I see myself not being homeless and accomplishing my life goals. Favorite movie? Dramas and psychological thrillers Favorite music? Reggae, rap, hip hop, R&B, and other appealing musical genres Favorite food? Any food that is well-cooked and well-seasoned Favorite book? The Bible April 30, 2008