Aspiring Nurse Works to Give Her Children a Better Life
*Ms. Lewis celebrates her graduation from Ambassador Institute
A mother will do anything to give her children a better life.
This has been the motivation for Ms. Lewis, a 40-year-old Detroit resident and aspiring nurse. She has three children: a daughter (18), and two boys (19 and 13). Her youngest son has Autism.
There are plenty of blessings in her life: she has a good relationship with her children, a loving boyfriend, and a church family that fulfills her spiritual needs. However, life has still been hard.
Unemployment, and the inability to drive due to a car accident many years ago are her main challenges. It is especially hard to find a job with hours that allow her to take her son to the bus daily. So, she decided to look for help.
She learned about the Pathway of Hope program at a resource event at a local school and promptly signed up at the Detroit Temple Corps Community Center.
Things began to change when her caseworker helped her make definite goals. First to find a job, then her drivers’ license. After job hunting for some time, she found employment at Naomi Nest, a transition home. While working she took nursing classes at Ambassador institute, which her case worker helped her get enrolled in.
But she was not out of the woods yet: her new employment meant the loss of benefits, including food stamps, and a shut-off notice for her electricity.
Thankfully, The Salvation Army’s energy assistance program allowed her to receive assistance paying utility bills, and food through numerous agencies.
She has now graduated from Ambassador Institute, one step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a nurse. She plans on taking the driver's test soon.
Although she is very busy and the road is not easy, she is now on the path to a better life, thanks to The Salvation Army.
Ms. Lewis is just one example of the countless people who are helped by The Salvation Army’s programs. If you would like to make a difference, you can donate to The Salvation Army, or volunteer your time.