Overview

I am a single parent of two girls aged 8 and 9 years old in Chicago. I currently work in a retail position and have been working consistently at the same job for 4 years. I was in a domestic violence situation for the past 8 years and have recently divorced and am supporting myself and my girls on my retail salary which is unsustainable in the long-term.

I want to develop skills to to be eligible for higher-paying positions to both challenge me and support my family; I am eager to get back on my feet. I have been taking classes in math and English to prepare myself to enroll in a 24-week, business-skills course that will prepare me to get a better job. I would love to one day work in an administrative position in a great company and I know that I just need a few more skills to attain that goal.

I need to help feed and provide clothing for my family as well as fund transportation to-and-from work and class. The program I want to enroll in requires me to attend classes for 4-days a week and therefore, I must cut back my retail hours to just 1-day per week during that time. I don't have other family in the country and so making up the loss of income falls solely on me.

Meeting this need will help me because I know that getting a better job will help me feel really good about myself and help me to support my family. I am dedicated to proving to my girls that women can be strong even after facing something tragic.

Validated

Validated by Kayla from Center for Changing Lives (What does this mean?)

About Kayla

I am a Housing and Financial Coach with Center for Changing Lives. I partner with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential, which is particularly important in today’s uncertain and complex environment. Coaches honor… Read more