Below Are Stories From Some Who
Walked the Journey With Us
A Success Story
by Hilary, a Family Promise Graduate
Q4 2024
I was part of a program through the Kelso Housing Authority called Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS). My goals were to become a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) counselor and to own my own home. Currently I am in school and working towards a bachelor's in social work.
Last January I accepted a promotion as a Substance Use Disorder Professional Trainee (SUDPT), which is just a fancy way of saying a counselor in training. This license allows me to practice and train as a counselor. This included a raise which took me out of the low-income bracket, so I ended up graduating from the FSS early, but they gave me a check of $18,000 to put towards a home or whatever I would like. I am currently on the search for a home but haven't found one yet.
My oldest, Corbin, moved to Wyoming and works as a manager of a Family Dollar store. He started as a general staff member and worked his way up the corporate ladder, and now he is a salaried employee. They even gave him a moving package as part of the promotion to go and run a store that was not doing so well to get it back up and running. Once he is done there and has all the staff trained, he will move on to the next store and do the same. I am super proud of him.
Jeniah is also doing great things. She is currently working as a CNA and in-home care provider. She will soon be exploring options to become a medical assistant. She owns her own car, pays her own insurance, and is becoming a grown young adult woman. I am super proud of her as well.
Wisdom is as amazing as ever. Tallest one in his class. Sweet, kind, and funny as ever. He is in the first grade, making lots of friends and thriving. He's joining a basketball team in January and maybe a self-defense class of some sort when that is over.
My journey began at Family Promise. I wouldn't be where I am today without the love and support from all the members of the congregations, volunteers, and staff. Thank you, FPCC.
Update: Hillary Graduated! Congratulations