Tami

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“We were living in such a bad place, all the mold and cold was so bad for the kids and all our health.  But it was the best I could do back then.  I wasn’t making enough money to afford better.  I needed some assistance. I wanted to do a lot better for myself and my children.  I wanted to further my education so I could make more money and maybe one day buy us a house.  I wanted to give my kids something to strive for when they got older and finished school.”

After moving into the Long Term Housing Program, Tami began school almost immediately to earn her high school diploma.  She had dropped out of high school when her oldest son was born and held many low paying jobs over the next decade.  She was extremely focused on her program goals, working fulltime to pay the bills, attending school part time and raising her three children.  She worked with a New Ground tutor for months to finish the required work and pass the necessary tests.  Upon completion, she was eligible to participate in her school’s graduation ceremony.  New Ground staff Members were thrilled to attend and cheer Tami on as she walked across the stage and received her diploma.

“Looking back I think that was one of the best moments for me.  I think part of me felt like it would never happen.  And to have my kids there watching me get my diploma was a blessing.  I am so thankful for it.  Then I was able to go to college and I think that really helped my kids see that they could do it too, that school was important.  We used to sit around the table all doing our homework together.  Even the youngest who wasn’t even in school yet! He made up stuff to do, like coloring and whatever, so he could be with the rest of us.”

Tami and her three children moved into their market rent apartment after almost five years with New Ground.  She had successfully achieved most of her goals in education, employment, and being able to afford a better, safer place for her family.

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