Georresha first came to our Family Resource Center in December 2023, seeking assistance with food. She had recently moved to Tennessee from another state, leaving behind an abusive relationship to protect herself and her children.

At the time, she was working as a DoorDash driver to make ends meet and had just found a place to live. Despite her struggles, Georresha spoke of her determination to improve her circumstances. She mentioned she had a few job interviews lined up and asked about counseling services for herself and her children.

Even amid her challenges, Georresha had an incredible smile. Her children, equally resilient and smiling, played with the toys in our lobby. During that first visit, we shared information about a long-term case management program we offer, which includes counseling, employment training, goal setting, and other forms of support. She agreed to enroll in the program, and we were able to provide her with food that day. Georresha and her children left with full hearts and big smiles.

Taking the First Steps Toward Stability

In January, Georresha officially joined the program. Her main goals were clear: improving her mental health and finding stable employment to better provide for her family. To help ease her immediate financial burden, we provided rental assistance while she continued working as a DoorDash driver. We also referred her to a partner agency for free counseling, which she began attending regularly.

By mid-January, Georresha had secured a job at Wendy’s and began her counseling sessions. The impact of therapy was immediately visible—each time we saw her after a session, her smile seemed brighter, and her confidence grew. While Wendy’s provided temporary relief, she knew the position wouldn’t fully meet her family’s financial needs or align with her long-term goals.

A Vision for a Better Future

Over the following months, Georresha worked hard to improve her situation and her children’s. They thrived in school, receiving evaluations and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to their needs. Meanwhile, she attended our financial literacy workshop and learned essential budgeting skills.

In April, Georresha expressed her desire to pursue a career in healthcare. Inspired by the idea of a stable and meaningful profession, she enrolled in a phlebotomy program through one of our community partners. This decision required significant sacrifices, but Georresha was determined to create a better future for her family.

By September, she completed her classes and began an externship, which meant she had to quit her job temporarily. When asked how she planned to manage her expenses, she confidently explained that the budgeting skills she learned in our workshop enabled her to save enough money to support her family during this transitional period.

A Year of Transformation

After completing her externship, Georresha found a position at a daycare while continuing to apply for jobs in the medical field. Just a few weeks ago, she excitedly texted us to share the news: she had been hired at a hospital.

Georresha’s journey over the past year is a testament to resilience and determination. She came to us seeking food and support during one of the most challenging times of her life. Today, she has a stable job in healthcare, a safe home, and children who are thriving academically and emotionally.

Her story exemplifies the transformative power of comprehensive support and unwavering determination. Through her commitment to improving her mental health, advancing her education, and providing for her family, Georresha has become a role model for her children and an inspiration to us all.