In 1999 I was an impoverished 17 year old with no goals…no dreams…and no direction in life. I found myself with a beautiful baby boy, homeless, no childcare, no job and no car. I did, however, graduate from Rogers High School in 2000. A few weeks later my son and I moved into Havenwood. I received food stamps and childcare vouchers. I obtained a job as a waitress at a local restaurant but slowly went into credit card debt just to make ends meet.

Fortunately, I was introduced to SPSF/BC and began my first semester of college in fall of 2000 as a first generation college student. Through this program I have received career, financial and personal counseling, a computer for my schoolwork, many great friends and wonderful lifelong mentors. I have gained confidence, self-worth and the education I need to be self-sufficient for the rest of my life. I now believe, whole-heartedly, that anything is possible as long as you set goals and work hard to achieve those goals. I have completed my BS degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and am working in the Fayetteville school system. The value of an education is priceless and I am very fortunate, because of you.