After leaving a domestic relationship and having to start life over, I found myself in the midst of turmoil, grappling with the overwhelming task of creating a better future for my children and myself. At that pivotal moment, when the weight of uncertainty seemed too heavy to bear, a friend who had been in a similar situation and had found hope through their support referred me to RaiseUp Families. Little did I know, this would begin a transformative journey.
RaiseUp Families didn't just offer me financial assistance; they provided me with the tools and knowledge to rebuild my confidence and trust in myself. Through their program, I learned to manage my finances, prioritize my mental health, and, most importantly, balance the many responsibilities that life had thrown my way. This support became the cornerstone of my resilience, reminding me that I am an overcomer.
The impact of RaiseUp Families on my life was profound. They connected me with support groups and learning materials that expanded my understanding of financial literacy and personal growth. I learned to save money and take care of myself, all while passing this knowledge on to others. I even discovered how to conduct my research, further expanding my horizons and enabling me to assist others on their journeys.
Today, I am financially stable and continue to save every month. I'm still working towards my master’s in health administration and have plans to become a Case Manager. My hard work has paid off with a raise from my current employer, and I'm on the brink of starting my own business. My children have also reaped the benefits of this transformation. My 14-year-old gifted and talented daughter has been accepted into college and has become a fierce advocate for my son, who is on the autism spectrum. I have found numerous resources to help my children achieve their educational goals, and I look forward to watching them thrive.
As a single mother, knowing I am financially stable and on the path to homeownership is a relief. The support from the program has not only influenced our daily lives but has also paved the way for a brighter future. My daughter's academic achievements and her role as an advocate for her brother are just the beginning of the ripple effects that RaiseUp Families has had on our lives.
RaiseUp Families didn't just change our circumstances; they changed our lives, and I will be forever grateful.
After facing a sudden critical illness in October 2021 and going through rehabilitation, I wanted to regain my independence and financial stability. However, being unemployed for almost two years, I realized that I needed guidance and resources to get back on my feet and support myself and my son.
During my treatment at the Memorial Hermann Stroke Challenge Center, I was fortunate to meet a dedicated social worker. This professional provided me with the care I needed and went above and beyond to connect me with various community agencies that could support my family. One of these agencies was RaiseUp Families, which the social worker recommended based on my specific needs and circumstances.
One of the most important things I learned in the nine-month HandUp Program was examining my monthly income and adjusting my expenses accordingly. This gave me insight into areas where I could cut costs, while still being able to plan and engage in activities without overspending. The program also encouraged me to pursue more competitive employment opportunities tailored to my background despite my health crisis, instilling in me a sense of empowerment and inspiration for the future.
The staff at RaiseUp Families were not just friendly and approachable but also incredibly supportive. They listened to my needs, provided immediate support within the first 1-2 weeks of entering the program, and connected me with additional resources beyond the program's scope. This included financial planning, job search assistance, and access to community resources. They also offered peer support groups to help manage general life stressors. Importantly, they provided my son with opportunities such as attending summer camp and receiving Christmas gifts. These experiences not only brought joy to my son but also helped him develop social skills and a sense of normalcy during a challenging time.
Upon completing the program, I felt motivated and encouraged to revitalize my life. I now consistently analyze my monthly expenses and plan to continue saving. While in the program, I was able to
maintain affordable stable housing, seek employment, and improve my language skills and cognitive functioning. I also received guidance in preparing for the next phase of my life, such as entrepreneurship, home ownership, and career development.
Since receiving assistance from RaiseUp Families, I have established a consistent schedule for depositing money into my savings account. I've also learned to be proactive in ensuring I have extra security for unexpected expenses and have found stability in my housing, which has greatly reduced my stress and anxiety. This newfound stability has filled me with hope for the future.
During my period of critical illness, I was unemployed and had accumulated mostly late fees due to difficulties paying rent. Today, thanks to RaiseUp Families, my levels of stress, anxiety, and depression have decreased tremendously, and now my landlord has more faith in me to maintain my payments and is renewing my lease for another year. I am deeply grateful for the support I have received.
Ieisha, a single mother of remarkable courage, made the bold decision to return to Texas after overcoming significant personal challenges. Accustomed to solving problems independently, she realized the importance of seeking support for her beloved daughter's well-being. This decision was not just for herself but also for her daughter's future. Despite feeling unlike herself and struggling to cope with stress, Ieisha's relentless search for assistance programs led her to RaiseUp Families, where she found the help she desperately needed.
Embracing the program, Ieisha gleaned valuable lessons about the rewards of consistent effort and the power of persistence in reshaping her circumstances. This newfound insight has ignited a renewed sense of purpose, propelling her toward her goals with unwavering determination.
The compassionate community at RaiseUp Families has profoundly impacted Ieisha, offering her a sense of visibility and incredible support. The heartfelt conversations and continuous follow-ups have made her feel genuinely valued. The resources provided have proven instrumental in navigating her challenges, bolstering Ieisha's confidence in her capacity to address her family's needs and lay the groundwork for a brighter future.
Throughout her journey with the program, Ieisha achieved significant milestones, including advancing her education in accounting, improving her credit score, and settling her debts. Furthermore, she ensured her daughter's educational and emotional stability by maintaining her enrollment in the same school. These achievements are a source of pride for Ieisha and a testament to the transformative power of RaiseUp Families.
Following her engagement with RaiseUp Families, Ieisha secured improved housing for herself and her daughter, equipping herself with the knowledge and strategies necessary to attain and sustain financial stability. Empowered by the program's support, she remains motivated to set and pursue new goals for the betterment of her family.
Before joining RaiseUp Families, Ieisha faced financial hardship, with mounting debts and overdue bills. The rental assistance provided her with a much-needed respite, enabling her to catch up on her financial obligations and redirect her focus towards other pressing matters. With her newfound financial stability, Ieisha has paid her bills on time, alleviating her stress and enabling her to savor life's precious moments.
The 'Food for Change' program, a pivotal part of Ieisha's journey, allowed her to acquire fresh, cost-saving groceries for her family. This financial relief allowed her to allocate her resources towards unforeseen expenses, ensuring she could consistently meet her rent obligations. The effectiveness of this program is a testament to the comprehensive support offered by RaiseUp Families.
Ieisha's story is a testament to the profound impact of RaiseUp Families in empowering individuals to achieve stability and growth. Through steadfast support and invaluable resources, Ieisha is reshaping her life, forging a brighter future for herself and her daughter.
