Overview

I am a 27 year old mom of three children from the south side of Chicago. I grew up in the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) system and I suffer from Sickle Cell Anemia. I was previously homeless and recently enrolled in a housing program in Chicago that provides permanent supportive housing services to myself and my family.

My goal is to become self- sufficient and raise my children safely in Chicago. I would like to have my own business one day that will support myself and my family.

I would like to get assistance in paying for driving lessons to get my license and eventually buy a car. Due to growing up in DCFS, I was never taught how to drive and never attained my license. I do not have anyone who can teach me to drive, so going to driving lessons will be the best way to ensure I get my license when I take the test.

Meeting this need will help me because attaining my driver’s license will help me save money on transportation expenses. It will also allow me to pick up my kids safely from school each day and get around as I need. I can begin to pursue my own business aspirations once I have a way to get around the city safely and quickly.

Validated

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

Ciera has been working with our housing agency for almost 2.5 years. She entered our housing program after being homeless for many years and living in an abandoned house with her children without proper utilities. I personally have been working with Ciera for the past year. Since we began working together, I have seen Ciera continue to work on being the best mother she can be, supporting her kids at school and at home. Ciera continues to address her kids needs and IEP’s with school staff and work on schoolwork at home with her kids. Additionally, Ciera has greatly improved as a housing tenant since we met. She previously had some major damage in her unit and some noise complaints from neighbors. Over the past 9 months, Ciera has had no damages and no complaints from the neighbors. Ciera continues to have great rapport with both myself and her landlord, demonstrating her ability to be a respectful and successful housing program participant.

About Emily

I am a Housing Retention Specialist for Inspiration Corporation. My job includes providing case management and services for individuals that have exited homelessness. Some of the services I assist with are enhancing life skills, providing referrals, and seeking out resources. The most important… Read more