Nicole Davis first turned to Great Lakes Community Action Partnership more than a decade ago when her family faced a crisis regarding their home and their ability to keep their family together.

Today, Davis is returning the favor.

Davis is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work and is spending the next several months completing an internship with GLCAP, the same organization that helped her family make critical repairs to their home in 2011.

At the time, Davis and her family were caring for two foster children. Her 1-year-old foster daughter had been diagnosed with lead poisoning, and a home evaluation by the health department revealed significant lead hazards throughout the house.

The necessary repairs were more than the family could afford. Without addressing the hazards, Davis feared the family could lose both children — the 1-year-old and her 5-year-old brother, who had been living with the family since he was 2.

“We had decided to move into an apartment and just walk away from our house,” Davis said. “Then we were told not to — that we should wait for GLCAP.”

That decision proved pivotal.

Through GLCAP’s Home Repair program, the family received assistance with a series of major improvements to the home. The work began with a new roof and later included lead hazard remediation and complete electrical rewiring.

The repairs allowed the family to remain in the home and continue caring for the children. In July 2012, Davis and her family officially adopted both children.

More than a decade later, the family still lives in the same home.

“At one point things felt hopeless,” Davis said. “But because of the programs this company had, the whole experience ended up being a huge blessing.”

That experience stayed with Davis and eventually inspired her to pursue an internship at GLCAP.

“I just wanted to give back to the company that helped my family so much,” she said.

As an intern, Davis is gaining hands-on experience while learning from GLCAP staff and developing skills related to her future career in social work. Her internship also gives her an opportunity to help connect others with resources and services — something she experienced firsthand as a young mother more than a decade ago.

“I don’t think I could ever repay what GLCAP gave to me, but at least I can help others get the assistance they need,” Davis said.

Davis said her personal experience also helps shape the way she talks with people who may be hesitant to seek assistance.

“I love telling people how much this company did for my family when we needed it the most,” she said. “I encourage everyone to at least reach out and see what is available to help.”

For Davis, the internship represents more than a step toward completing her degree. It marks a full-circle moment — returning to the organization that helped her family through a difficult chapter and preparing to help others facing challenges of their own.