Quanese Burce: A Survivor Building a Legacy of Strength and Service.

​

Overcoming Challenges

Quanese Burce’s journey has been marked by both hardship and hard-won triumph. As a teen mother and survivor of domestic violence, she found herself facing instability, fear, and the daunting task of rebuilding her life with two young sons. Years ago, she arrived at Halcyon Home seeking refuge during one of the darkest periods of her life. Today, she walks back through those same doors - not as a client, but as a Child Advocate on staff, using her lived experience to offer hope and healing to others.

Raising her children as a single mother, working full-time, and attending school required superhuman focus. There were moments when the pressure and financial strain felt overwhelming, but Quanese never gave up. She moved forward with quiet determination, always keeping her children’s well-being at the center of her choices. “I never wanted my rain to get them wet,” she wrote - shielding them from the storms while building something stronger underneath.

​

Looking Ahead

Quanese is now focused on advancing her education and expanding her career. She is pursuing additional certifications and professional development so she can better serve the women and families who rely on her compassion and expertise. At the same time, she’s investing in her own wellness and personal growth - committed to continuing her healing while helping others begin theirs.

The Spirit Award helps make all of this possible. With support for tuition, childcare, technology, and wellness resources, Quanese now has the breathing room she needs to grow in every direction. She is building not just stability, but a future rich in service, empathy, and strength - both for her own children and for every woman she lifts along the way.

​

Nominated By

Quanese was nominated by Carmen Sanders, Residential Services and Housing Coordinator at Halcyon Home for Battered Women. Carmen spoke of Quanese’s powerful transformation  - from shelter resident to staff member, from survivor to mentor - and described her as a woman whose warmth, charisma, and work ethic leave a lasting impact. “She is not only a survivor,” Carmen wrote, “but also a leader, a role model, and a beacon of hope for others.”