Tara and her 13-year-old daughter, Tiara, found themselves in the very unfamiliar place of being homeless in early 2019. They had been living with her brother and his wife when financial troubles resulted in their eviction. Tara was referred to one agency, which then referred her to Family Promise of Wake County at the end of February.
“It was hard moving from church to church every week, but with the help of Family Promise and friends, I was ultimately able to find a job that I love,” she said. Tara previously worked at a temp agency while also working a second job. The working environment at one job site was very hostile, and, despite having a Commercial Driver’s License, Tara ended up outside with a shovel. That was not her vision for the future for her and Tiara! During her first week in Family Promise, Tara found her current job, which has provided opportunities for advancement and training. “They want you to succeed,” Tara said with a smile.
After 10 weeks in Family Promise’s Emergency Shelter program, Tara and Tiara moved into the Transitional Housing program and were chosen to be the first residents of a newly remodeled apartment.
“It makes me proud to see what I achieved in a few short weeks,” Tara said. Her daughter, Tiara, has also thrived with the added assistance of a local teen center.
Tara’s Case Manager and Family Promise of Wake County’s life skills classes have helped her succeed in her new life. She has learned how to save money and eat more nutritionally, among other things.
“They teach you to fish, not to be given a fish,” Tara explained. An active member of her church with her daughter, Tara is motivated by her faith to continue achieving her goals.
“I made a vow to God to use me. This is not my life to do what I want to do, but to fulfill my purpose. I never stop praying for everybody in this program.”