Article By Paula Addison // EEW Magazine Online // Inspirational Stories

LaShenda Williams has gone from being a hard-luck case to living a blessed life, and we are celebrating all her blessings right along with her.

In late 2019, the 46-year-old who was then homeless and living inside her car parked outside of a Kroger in Tennessee is now employed by the grocery store chain and in her own apartment.

LeShenda Williams saw her life go on a downward spiral due to abuse and addiction, but all that has changed (Credit: Kroger Inc.)

After abuse and drug addiction sent her life into a spiral, it looked like she would never rebound, but by the grace of God, everything has changed. "I would lean my seat all the way back so no one would see me,” Williams told NBC News of her days living in her car outside Kroger. “I knew I wasn't supposed to be there”—or so she thought.

It’s hard not to believe that it was a divine setup after she met Kroger hiring manager Jackie Vandal who told Williams about an upcoming job fair. Williams had repeatedly requested information about whether or not the store was hiring, so this, for her, was an amazing and long-time-coming opportunity.

"You get a feel if someone's sincere or if they're just trying to get a job to say they got one and then quit a month later," Vandal told USA Today. "She was very sincere."

Vandal advised Williams to apply online on the day of the job fair, so Williams did. She got an old laptop from her car and completed the application with Vandal's assistance and was hired on the spot as soon as the application was submitted.

In an emotional interview, a very grateful Williams said of Kroger, “When I was hungry, they fed me. When I needed a pair of gloves, they gave it to me. These workers that I work with are my family.”

Williams made such an impact on her customers and employees, they instantly fell in love with her energy, positivity, warmth and kindness. One customer in particular, Verlenteez Williams, was so moved by Williams, he rallied support among Nashville residents using Facebook to an overwhelming response. Strangers donated furniture, decorations and clothes to help Williams get on her feet.

“We are so lucky to have Lashenda as part of our Kroger family,” Melissa Eads, corporate affairs manager for the Kroger Nashville division, said in a statement to PEOPLE. “Her uplifting spirit is contagious. She has made such a positive impact on her fellow team members, and so many customers as well. We are so proud to have her as an associate.”

Williams said, “To have the love that Krogers has given me has blown my mind. I have never been loved the way I have, the way Krogers have. They’re always making sure I’m okay.”

Because of that love from a compassionate community, Williams, for the first time in a long time, is better than okay.