Seattle's Child

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Johnie Jemica Williams with her children. Photo courtesy Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families

Single mom of four, three jobs, kids come first | Unsung Hero

"She works to provide for her kids, day and night"

Seattle’s Child is proud to partner with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children. Throughout February, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state: biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofits; some mentor others in their communities. Enjoy the stories of 2024’s unsung heroes. 

NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.


Johnie Jemica Williams 

Johnie is a single mother of 4, working 3 jobs every week (Port of Tacoma, Salon, and school bus driver). She works to provide for her kids, day and night but still finds time to contribute to her community. She offers free back-to-school haircuts for foster and low-income kids and recently got a DCYF contract to do this in the last few weeks. 

She is always growing as a mother and makes sure her kids are included in what she has going on. For instance, she has a line of beauty products and has her kids help her brand and create the items. Whenever we need her to help on a field trip, she adjusts her schedule and makes it happen. While she is at the barbershop, you’ll see her kids either doing homework or helping to clean up her space.

— Bryan Neal and Turner Cagle, Multicultural Child And Family Hope Center

More Unsung Heroes:

A father giving it all to help his kids thrive

Putting foster child’s needs above their own

Motivated mom reunited with her three sons

Kristin Weddle exemplifies what Parents as Teachers stands for

Josie Garcia is passionate about her family and community

About the Author

Seattle Child Staff