Getting through difficult times in our lives requires faith and resiliency. Finding herself in need of a place to live for her and her daughter was one of those difficult times for Susan. Since entering our transitional housing program, she has exhibited both faith and resiliency and has made the most of every opportunity available to her. One of those opportunities was the Getting Ahead group of Howard County. The goal of the group, which is based on the Bridges out of Poverty framework, is for people from all economic classes to come together to build resources and support one another in moving out of poverty. Susan was accepted into the group, which meets twice a week for eight weeks. She has not only learned important lessons about budgeting, improving communication, and finding available resources, but she has also taught others in the group important lessons about working hard, staying positive and dreaming big for their futures. In fact, her group valued her contributions so much that they chose her to speak at their graduation ceremony.
Knowing what Susan has overcome in her lifetime and how she has remained faithful and resilient even at the toughest times is inspiring. She is really an example to others as she works two jobs, takes honors classes toward her college degree, and volunteers for mentally ill adults in her free time. She really has a bright future and can’t wait to see what other opportunities are ahead of her.
By Tricia Sakles, Continuous Quality Improvement Director