By Lidya Hollingsworth, Sisters United Coach
Special to The Truth
Pathway Inc. Sisters United is a place where all mothers can come together to laugh, cry, share unique experiences in motherhood and build a support network. In November of 2025, one participant’s story about grief, resiliency and forgiveness inspired the ears of those who listened.
When Justyce Meredith was a child she became close friends with another kid on the street, Hahsaan Price. Justyce and Hahsaan grew close as best friends and turned to each other in times of strife in the neighborhood. As times changed, Justyce and her aunt left the neighborhood they both shared. This adjustment had no impact on their relationship as Hahsaan and Justyce’s friendship persisted. This unwavering amount of love ultimately bonded them together in a journey of self-reflection and grit.
An inseparable bond that blossomed from a childhood friendship transformed into a thrilling journey of love. Despite the tribulations, this young couple trusted their faith in God and desires of a successful future.
Justyce and Hahsaan were thrilled for the arrival of their child. There was a lot of preparation that needed to happen as they’re goals in parenting were based in creating a stable environment for their child.
Mr. Price was determined to enroll in school to obtain his G.E.D, he wanted to “become the example for my child” he shared in a Pathway Inc. Brothers United Fatherhood program group. Both young parents were motivated to become better parents and to equip themselves with resources in the community that could help them achieve this. Price sought parenting education and was referred by Jackie King from Baby University.
King explains that, “working with Ms. Meredith was a privilege. To watch a nervous young lady become a strong self-aware and determined mother has truly been an honor. Ms. Meredith’s growth into mother was seamless and natural. She is not only an advocate for herself but for her baby. I am proud to see how far she has come in such a short time. I can’t wait to see what is next for her and Mr. Price.”
Justyce Meredith explains that, “ Ms. King services means a lot to her, no matter what’s going on she tries her best to give the very best resources for any situation. For example I have my apartment now because of her and when I asked for resources for my co parent she never hesitated to provide them. Ms. King is the reason he has a BROTHERhood who showed up for him when it mattered most, and I now have a SISTERhood that shows up for me.”
Price attended every pre-natal visit and wore pink at the gender reveal even though he knew it was a boy. They were on their way to learning and growing as a family, Unfortunately shortly after Mr. Price completed and graduated from Pathway Inc. Brothers United program, in early September, he was involved in a confrontation where he was fatally shot.
Following the death of Price, the community rallied around Ms. Meredith and Mr. Price’s family. Pastor Cedric Brock, leader of the Interfaith Ministerial Alliance
( IMA) led the way and Avis Files, Pathway Inc. director of Family and Supportive Services, also served as a great pillar of support as she encouraged community support for funeral services and grief support for Ms. Meredith. Funeral services were held at the Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, a local church committed to addressing grievances in the community and advocating for the voiceless.
The overall support she received from the program encouraged her to join Sister’s United. Sister’s United is a parenting education group FOR MOTHERS ONLY, where mothers unite as Sisters, sharing parallel parenting struggles and learning new tips and tools as a parent.
After our discussion about values and the importance of living by them, she says that, “doing a good job raising my children is important to me because there are no do overs in parenting and as parents we shape our children’s lives and futures.”
Ms. Meredith feels like values are very important in parenting because they are the guidelines you follow in life that lead you to the right path. As a woman, Meredith is still learning what womanhood means to her; she feels as if she is very self-sufficient. She is reliable, resilient and is actively working alongside with the city of Toledo Community Action Table where she will be sharing her story with the community and to help other young men and women who are facing struggles.
Everyday she is learning and growing and becoming the best parent she can to her new-born daughter.
Justyce most significant take away from Sisters Untied is how important it is to lean on other mothers for support, how other mothers can help lead and guide you on the right path and help you learn which style of parenting works best for you.
“We are honored to have served her during such a difficult time,” said Avis Files, director of Family and Supportive services, “and we are proud of Ms. Meredith’s growth and development as a young Mother we look forward to our continued support as we are Mothers United as Sisters!”
To learn more about Pathway Inc. Sisters United call or text (419) 279-0798 or e-mail afiles@pathwaytoledo.org.