Persistence puts Dreams within Reach
Your support gave this mom a chance to plan for her family’s future.
She wants to leave a legacy for her children. And because of you, that dream is within reach.
Keyonna had a goal – but like most of us, sticking to the goal is not easy if you are walking that journey alone. She had put in countless hours working hard as a single parent to provide for her two sons with special needs. Keyonna had already overcome so much, but her ultimate dream was to be a homeowner.
Originally from Queens, New York, Keyonna relocated to Virginia many years ago and has worked several types of jobs – striving to build her family’s future. From working as a plus-size model to put herself through college, to now working as a home health aide as she prepares to take the state certification to become a medical assistant. She’s committed to reaching her goal – and having someone to encourage, support and listen along the way – was vital to her success. Because of you the doors at HumanKind’s Economic Resource Center were open and ready to go with Keyonna at her own pace one step at a time.
Over the past six years, Keyonna has worked with her HumanKind financial coach Yolanda Hilliard to create a plan, a budget, and a path to achieve her dreams. She’s been a part of two HumanKind programs – Ways to Work and the Financial Opportunity Center. With her coach’s guidance, Keyonna created a savings plan and stuck to it, built her credit history, and has met a major financial goal: successfully paying off not just one – but two cars.
Those vehicles provided reliable transportation for her to get to work and to doctor’s appointments for her children. The loans also helped her to rebuild her credit – increasing her credit score nearly 200 points! Keyonna persisted by paying off a significant amount of debt so she could begin saving.
“What do I have if I was to leave this world tomorrow for my kids? What can they turn into an investment? Can they prevent homelessness for themselves? Can they have somewhere to raise their kids?” shared Keyonna.
Leaving this legacy for her children means everything to her. And now because of your generosity, she is on her way to achieving that goal.
Still at work with her financial coach, Keyonna is working to update her resume, connect to new job opportunities, and study for the state certification. “Yolanda and HumanKind have been my support team. I didn’t really have support from family and friends. Now I had it to a certain extent, but when things got real hectic you need transportation, you need a ride to work. You have to rely on other people, and that was a hassle. And I don’t like asking, I like getting my own.”
Because of you, she had someone to walk this journey with her. Helping her to stick to a savings plan, pay off her debt, and build a brighter financial future for her family. Homeownership is within sight – and she has a plan that will get her there.
You were the difference in Keyonna’s life. Without you, she would not have overcome these obstacles. Thank you for being a guiding light in the middle of the dark. Right now there are people, who much like Keyonna, need someone to walk with them through these challenging times. Because of you and your support, help and resources are ready and waiting for a neighbor in need.
Learn more about HumanKind’s Economic Resource Center and the Ways to Work program at HumanKind by visiting here.