Thrive!
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • EVENTS
  • INVEST
  • Leadership
  • CONTACT
  • Blog

Finding Independence

10/8/2018

1 Comment

 
Picture
Christina first met Jayme, Thrive! Executive Director, when she was a youth in foster care.  

Years later, their connection once-again shaped Christina’s life. A simple invitation to a Thrive! dinner opened the door to a better life for her and her two children. 

When Christina joined Thrive!, her two children were in foster care, a situation she wanted to change. Fast forward 3-1/2 years: Christina is working full-time and has sole custody of her children. “I’m living near Lawrence and work in store operations at Fastenal,” explains Christina.  “I am living paycheck to paycheck, but I am not depending on someone else. No IOUs!”  

She’s finding that independence has its hurdles. “I’m not saving yet.  I no longer qualify for assistance, and day care and health care expenses are more.  I feel like I am spending much more; but, I am moving up and have a budget.” 

Despite the challenges, Christina is proud of her accomplishments.  “I never thought I’d make this much money and live outside Manhattan. I have freedom, independence and I am a better parent.” She attributes this to learning how to apply for jobs. “Once you know how to interview, you can achieve more.”

Learning is a common theme in her Thrive! memories. “I learned how to file taxes and apply for car insurance. I didn’t know how to do these things.” Perhaps most importantly, she learned how to parent. “I am much more level-headed, organized and spend real time with the kids. My Thrive! Allies taught me that kids really just need love and attention. There comes an age we mimic our parents. I learned that I can do things differently.”

Speaking with Christina, one can sense that she’s grounded, focused and has plans for an even brighter future. “I plan on finishing school to become a mechanic and save for a down payment on a house.”   

***
​
Christina’s Advice for Leaders and Allies
Leaders – individuals seeking to improve
  • Be open to learning.  
  • Share fully so Allies know how to help. 
  • Don’t tell a lie to get sympathy, that doesn’t change anything.  
  • Respect the people who are making time for strangers. 
Allies – volunteer mentors
  • Have patience. We come from a different life. 
  • Give kind, clear, and gentle directions. 
  • Give us time. It’s not easy to let people in. We’ve been hurt, betrayed, and abandoned. 

1 Comment
Debra Evangelidis
10/14/2018 12:35:41 pm

Thank-you, Chris, for having the courage to share your story. Your family is beautiful! and you have come through a difficult time and are now providing your children with stability and most important love and guidance.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    To follow this blog, use your RSS Feed Reader and search: thriveflinthills.com/2/feed 


    ​Thrive! is...

    Relationship-Focused. 
    Community-Based. 
    Poverty Reduction. 

    Archives

    September 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    October 2020
    January 2020
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016

    Categories

    All
    Calendar
    Getting Ahead

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • EVENTS
  • INVEST
  • Leadership
  • CONTACT
  • Blog