Watch Kena's video

Overview

Right now, my biggest challenge is working towards independent living and years of making bad choices. I am only just now starting my first savings account and am only just now able to plan and make progress for my financial future and my future success. Because of that, where most people would have the means to set up their apartment when they move into it, I simply did not. But, at the same time, I knew it was important for me to make progress and free up space in the recovery home I used to live in for the next woman who needs to begin her process of recovery.

Meeting this need will help me because I can finally make my house a home. It's just me and God in this apartment and little else by way of furniture and I would like to make it more comfortable. Right now I am sleeping on an air mattress.

My current situation is that I just moved into my new place. I left the recovery home I was staying in before that. I made a lot of progress there, and felt like I was able to get my life on the right track. I made great relationships with the other women there, but then I decided it was the right time to move on. My sponsor actually helped me find the place, and she lives in the same building as me now. It's great because not only do I get to be self-sufficient and independent, but I am still in a supportive environment.

My goal is to start significantly saving this year to make up for lost time. I have looked into different financial and credit building programs to both improve my credit and work towards getting the amount of money I am saving matched. By not having to dip into my savings now, I will be able to both save more and make more in the end.

I'm most proud of committing to my recovery, opening a savings account, and getting my own place. I worked really hard at The Cara Program and had some setbacks, but I refused to give up. And that diligence is what got me here today.

I think of myself mostly as a nurturing person and a caretaker. I love to take care of people and now that I am finally taking the best care of myself, it is great to help others along in their recovery, at work, and in my home life.

I've worked at jobs including janitorial, environmental services, and customer service.

Something interesting about me is that I am a movie buff. I love to watch movies and know a lot about them. I also love to write and journal frequently.

I thank any and all of you donors in advance! I feel so grateful to work with Benevolent, but also to celebrate both my clean time and sobriety alongside the success I have made with obtaining a stable living environment.

Watch Lauren's video

Validated

Validated by Lauren from The Cara Program (What does this mean?)

I have known Kena since she came to The Cara Program and worked through our transformations process in December of 2011. She was referred to Cara by her recovery program and it was immediately noticed by all staff how seriously Kena took the program and how diligently she worked towards obtaining employment.

I think meeting this need is important because Kena has proven time and time again that she is a goal-setter and that she is determined. I know that she would make sure to save and be able to buy furniture if given the time on her own, but I also know that it would take away from her rainy day savings in the same instance. She has worked so hard and come very far, that I wouldn't want to see that happen.

This will move the recipient's life forward by allowing her the comfort of a nice, new bed. A good night's sleep is crucial to a good day's work, and I know if will benefit her immensely.

About Lauren

My job title is Individual Development Specialist, a combination of a job coach and case manager. I have been in this position since September 2011. My work involves providing career coaching and generalized case management services for individuals who have just become employed to ensure progress… Read more