Overview

After being homeless for five years, I recently moved into an apartment, which has given my life a renewed stability. I plan to use this stability to complete a college degree and further my career like I have always wanted to do. I enjoy spending much of my time volunteering and tutoring the youth and my community. In the past, I taught West Mali drumming class to youth, ages five and up, where they would learn about the music and how to use the drum. Often, the children would invite their families to observe the class because they enjoyed it so much. I hope to continue my passion for community work in my future career.

My goal is to complete an associate’s degree at Truman College in order to open up more opportunities to work in education and teaching others.

In 2011, I became the first person in my family to go to college and began taking courses at Truman. Due to a lack of support in navigating college courses and having to deal with family issues, I was unable to continue taking courses or pay for my last semester. I now feel more prepared for the challenges of navigating college and feel at a better place in other aspects of my life. I am hoping with your support I will be able to pay off my last semester and go back to school, as I cannot return to college until my last semester's tuition is paid.

Thank you so much for all of your support. I am so excited to start the process of getting the education I need to find meaningful work with youth and the community.

Validated

Validated by Shayna from Inspiration Corporation (What does this mean?)

Throughout my time at Inspiration Corporation, Helpman has described to me his ambitions to give back to the community. Most recently, I worked with him on obtaining housing supplies for his new apartment. During the times we have worked together, he has expressed his love for art, music, and languages. Helpman is a self-starter, but has faced various barriers in his life that have prevented him from accomplishing his goals. Although being housed was a big step for him, being able to pay off this debt and go back to school would be the kick start he needs to reach his goals.

About Shayna

I am the Resource Specialist at Inspiration Corporation, an organization that focuses on increasing self-sufficiency and employment in populations affected with homelessness and poverty. My work is to provide support to our participants in achieving personal goals through connecting them with… Read more