Abby’s* life quickly spiraled from high school cheerleader to prescription drug addict after two devastating car accidents. Less than ideal relationships brought three children into her life. Bad company, warrants for her arrest, and ultimately faced with the prospect of living in her car with her children, Abby became desperate and cried out to God for help.
That night was the beginning of a new path for Abby and her kids. Completing a successful rehab program, Abby was making huge strides in the right direction with support from Elevate Lives and The Preschool Academy, but she faced an insurmountable hurdle when it came to housing. Due to her past, her only option was to rent from a slumlord.
We’ve seen firsthand slumlord situations where families are trapped living in extremely oppressive situations: rodent infestations, holes in the wall letting outside air and critters rush in, or without heat for years - not because they have not paid their bills, but because slumlords care more about money than people in poverty.
Through Elevate Lives’ Pathway out of Poverty, Abby and her children are able to live in a safe, clean environment and receive support, mentorship and training. Each month Abby accomplishes action steps to move out of poverty and toward flourishing, we discount her rent hundreds of dollars.
Abby is an incredibly hard worker; she and her children have wholeheartedly pursued the opportunities set before them. Incredibly, in the span of 18 months she quit smoking, lost 50 lbs. and paid off $15,000 of school debt! Her children, who were exhibiting violent behavior at school due to the instability of their lives, are now flourishing with good grades and involved on athletic teams. Abby is the manager at a local restaurant, a sponge to mentorship and is engaged in a local church. Facing her next challenge head on, Abby is taking classes toward finishing her degree with a desire to serve in the medical field so she can help others.
We will continue to support Abby’s family through Pathway out of Poverty and celebrate with her every step of the way until she is able to independently support her family.
Will you do your part to support families like Abby’s? Many hands make light work, and providing what you already have is just what we need! You may be able to help through donating your time, finances, materials or knowledge - all are very important parts of helping a family like Abby’s turn their lives around which causes ripple effects lasting for generations to come.
*names have been changed
Every dollar counts, so whether you can give a little or a lot, it means something BIG to our families!
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