At first glance, Jean’s life seemed stable; she’d kept the same job as a sales associate for five years. But even the most stable job doesn’t guarantee that it will cover the expenses required to support a large family. Jean was a hardworking employee, but she simply didn’t make enough to provide for her four children. After continually struggling to make ends meet, the family was evicted from their home.

Anxious to provide a secure future for her children, Jean contacted United Way, which connected her with their housing program. Through the program, Jean has been able to proactively track and pay her monthly bills, resolve some credit problems, settle her family into an apartment, and begin to build relationships with some of her new neighbors.

Jean and her family are now thriving. Two of Jean’s children recently made the honor roll, and her son, a senior in high school, is set to graduate on schedule. Following in their educational success, Jean has plans to go back to school to earn an associate’s degree in drug counseling.