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Overview

I need $190 for a one-time fee I need to pay to get my financial aid reinstated so I can continue taking RN classes.

My goal is to become an R.N., and the financial stability will allow me to provide for my family as well as secure the future. I want my children to go to college, and I know we will need to help them out financially if they are to accomplish this. But, most importantly, paying off this fee will open the door either this winter or next fall to go back to school.

Even though I have five children, I know that I can complete college because I have superb organizational skills and strong family support system that will allow me to do what I need to do. For example, my mother-in-law, my cousin, and my friends are always willing to help me with childcare. I am proactive and always plan ahead, especially for possible emergencies that might impact my ability to do what I need to do.

My current situation is that I have already completed my associate's degree, but I now want to enter a nursing (R.N.) program to get my bachelor's degree. I know that my family needs a much larger income than we currently have, and I know that becoming an R.N. can accomplish that. I have had experience doing in-home care and absolutely love it! Nursing will not only provide an income for us, but it will also fulfill a personal desire of mine to help others.

Despite having a lot of children and many responsibilities, I am proud that I am able to accomplish a lot by being organized. For example, I create many, many to-do lists and make sure I check everything off. I also make time to help others, especially family, since I know how difficult life can be.

I'm from Detroit and I have five children ranging in age from 5 months to 10 years. My daughter just started junior high, and my other daughter just started pre-K. Sadly, I just found that my 5 year old son has autism. However, despite all the challenges, my children mean the world to me. They certainly keep me and their dad busy!

I'm most proud of the fact that I am still living and maintaining the home that my mother left me. It's very expensive to maintain, but home is very important.

I'm happiest when we do family time on the weekend. It's a chance to be with my family and also a chance to relive my childhood by doing activities with them that I may never have had the opportunity to do.

Something interesting about me is that I love scrapbooking!

Watch Valerie's video

Validated

Validated by Valerie from Starfish Family Services (What does this mean?)

I met when Tiffany joined the Family Success Program three years ago. I have seen her take on ambitious goals and complete them. She is organized, determined, and has what it takes to be a success.

I think meeting this need is important because all of Tiffany's family income goes to meeting basic needs. Though the amount she needs is not a lot, it is more than she can afford at this time. Once she has the fee paid off, the doors to college will open for her again. I know she can do it.

Tiffany has five children, but she is an extremely organized, efficient, and determined young woman. That, plus the fact that she has a lot of very good social support from friends and family, makes me feel that she can handle college and continue to be the awesome mom and wife that she is. I have no doubt that she will become a registered nurse and be able to better support her children so that they too can go on to college.

About Valerie

My job title is Family Advocate. My work involves working with people in poverty to help them become more self-sufficient by linking them to resources. What I like about my job is that it is always interesting! Every family I work with is obviously different, and I have had the honor of getting to… Read more