Shamika's Story

When Shamika Mason tells her story, one thing becomes clear immediately: faith, love, and perseverance have guided every step of her journey as a mother.

At just 21 years old, Shamika’s life changed forever after a devastating car accident threw her three-year-old son, Jakerion, from the vehicle, leaving him with a severe brain injury. Doctors told her he would never walk, talk, or understand again – confined to life in bed.

“I kept my faith with God,” she said. “I knew it was going to be a challenge, but I was up for it - with God, with family support, I was up for it.”

Decades later, that faith and support has proven powerful. Jakerion has far surpassed every bleak prediction. “He’s so intelligent. He’s taught me how to be a better person and parent. I went through a season of anger with God, but my son, who faces so many challenges, wakes up happy every single day. He taught me to be thankful,” Shamika shared. “People say he’s lucky to have me as a mom, but I always tell them I’m the lucky one. He brings out the best in me.”

Discovering Next Step Ministries

After losing her mother, Shamika moved from Florida to Georgia, not realizing that the state’s services for young adults with disabilities ended sooner. “In Florida, you get two extra years before aging out,” she explained. “So when we moved, I suddenly learned this would be his last year in school, and I started to panic.”

She began searching for programs where her son could truly belong. “When I walked into Next Step Ministries, everything just felt right - the atmosphere, the staff, the activities,” she said. “So many programs I visited had mostly older participants, which made me sad because my son is so young and energetic, I wanted him to be around people his age. NSM had that mix and so much energy - it felt like home.”

Jakerion’s first trial day confirmed it. “He came home so ecstatic. That’s when our journey with NSM started. He was getting out, making friends, and happy - that’s all I could ask for.”

Eight years later, they’re still part of the Next Step Ministries family.

A Place to Grow, Belong, and Shine

“Next Step Ministries has given Jakerion independence, purpose, and confidence,” Shamika said. “He’s made friends with everyone and takes such pride in what he does.”

She lights up when she describes how often people recognize her son in the community. “We’ll be out shopping, and people walk up to say, ‘Hey, I know Jake!’ Firefighters, volunteers, people from local events - everyone knows him. He knows more people than me! He just loves people. And NSM has truly allowed him to be himself by giving him the opportunity to love more people.”

“Sometimes when I walk into his room at 5:30 am, he’s already up waiting for me,” she said with a laugh. “If his driver’s late, he’s checking the time and calling her. That’s how much he loves Next Step Ministries. I trust my son’s judgment - if he’s that excited, that says it all.”

Trust, Peace, and Family

As a single mother who’s carried the weight of caregiving since her early twenties, Shamika says the peace she feels knowing her son is safe and happy is priceless.

Even after relocating from Alpharetta to Atlanta, she never once considered leaving the program. “I used to live with anxiety, worrying something might happen,” she admitted. “But with Next Step Ministries, I have peace. I can go about my day knowing he’s at his other home - surrounded by people who love him. They take such good care of him. He’s in the best hands.”

She describes the staff and volunteers as compassionate, professional, and deeply invested. “They go the extra mile. If I forget his lunch, they feed him. If his wheelchair breaks, they help fix it. They care for these individuals as if they’re their own family.”

A Message for Other Families

For parents facing that uncertain moment when their child “ages out” of the school system, Shamika offers this advice:

“Take your time and find the right fit. Don’t just go with what’s closest - find somewhere your loved one will be loved, not just cared for,” she said. “When you walk into a place like Next Step Ministries, you’ll feel it. You’ll see it in the smiles, in how the staff talk to the clients. You’ll know you’ve found family.”

Closing

Jake is full of life, energy, and joy. He is a young man who reminds everyone around him what it means to truly love and to live with gratitude.

If you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jake, you know what Shamika means when she says she’s the lucky one. Because when you know Jake, you know you are loved.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All proceeds and donations to Next Step Ministries support day programs that empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to grow, connect, and thrive.