A Pathway to Hope
Jennifer, a mom of five kids ages 3 to 20, finally broke out of an abusive relationship. But starting over on her own, with a big family to care for, brought new challenges. “There were times I couldn’t pay all my bills,” she said, adding that she was working two jobs and only getting a couple hours of sleep a night. “I was so tired.”
At the end of her rope, she sought help from The Salvation Army in Rockford. “Anything I needed – food, school supplies for the kids, Christmas presents – they helped,” Jennifer said. She also got involved in the Army’s Pathway of Hope program, which pairs families in need with a trained caseworker who helps identify barriers to self-sufficiency. Jennifer’s caseworker, Felicia, taught her how to manage her money, build up her credit, and set wise financial goals. Jennifer has now saved some money and even bought a house.
“The best thing that The Salvation Army gave me was hope,” Jennifer said. “I didn’t believe I could do it by myself . . . with five kids. They kept my head up, helped me believe that everything’s going to be ok. They make me strong every day.”