When I first met “Ariana,” she had a fierceness about her that told me she had a good life story to tell. She had a spotty work history and past barriers that were hurting her employment prospects. She was let go from her former job—a great job—for missing too much work. Ariana had plenty of passion and motivation, but something was missing. She was motivated but directionless.
We met to problem-solve and discuss her goals. I learned that she had an adult son with severe disabilities who would need a caregiver for the rest of his life. After his previous family caregiver fell through, Ariana was out of options. She applied to be his paid caregiver through the Health Care Authority, but her application was denied. It was a crushing blow, but she didn’t let that stop her. Ariana decided to start her own small business. This way, she could work at home with her son.
Although starting a home business is always a risk, her housing voucher meant that she could take that risk while still having the safety net of housing assistance. Ariana applied for and obtained her business license, and she began making & marketing. She joined several farmer’s and creator’s markets, and soon she was selling her creations. During the slow seasons, Ariana’s energy and drive never let up. She pursued legal help to appeal the HCA’s denial. She went back to college to take classes. She worked on her website. She grew her inventory.
Finally, Ariana received HCA approval. She is now able to work as her son’s caregiver, and she continues to operate her business from home. She proudly graduated from the program with over $10,000 in escrow. She completed financial literacy training, and she paid off her debts. Today, she is working towards homeownership.
Her story is a real example of the success of the Family Self Sufficiency program. “The support I received in the FSS program has been paramount in reaching my goals thus far,” Ariana reflects. And she leaves the program with these words of advice for others: “Never give up. Change the goal, tweak the plan, but never give up! You have purpose if you are alive.”