Climbing the Mountain

This week, Jackie graduated from 18 months as a Leader with Thrive!  I have been lucky to serve as her Ally during that time.  At her graduation, I shared how I envisioned Jackie’s journey before and during Thrive!
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Imagine a mountain. The summit represents your dreams and stops along the way to the top your goals.  One side is a sheer cliff face.  The other is a meandering smooth trail.  Before Jackie came to Thrive!, she had plenty of goals and dreams. One of her greatest dreams was to support her family without the need for government assistance. However, she was trying to climb the mountain on the sheer cliff face without much help.

Jackie was making progress, but it was slow going. Then Thrive! came into her life and showed her the other side of the mountain. Not only was this path to the summit smoother and gentler, it was filled with people willing to help her along her journey.

Jackie has made it almost to the top of her mountain.  New employment with higher pay has led to a reduction in her family’s need for government assistance. Jackie’s job is fast-paced and engaging. She is challenged at work and loves it. She still has barriers to overcome — with the increase in salary comes a concurrent loss of assistance, and she isn’t always coming out ahead financially.  However, knowing Jackie, she will persevere and reach the summit!

Jackie has decided to continue to serve Thrive! as one of our volunteer Outreach Coordinators.  I’m thrilled to have her continue to be part of our community and to help others to join us on our journey to end poverty.

— Jayme Morris-Hardeman, executive director