Natalie is an amazing mother and one of our residents that began her journey here at Casa Teresa in our Emergency Maternity Shelter (EMS). Shortly after she arrived, Natalie signed up as a volunteer to help sort through Casa Teresa’s general donations. Her focus and determination to her recovery and self-improvement led her to eventually meet with me, Casa Teresa’s Career & Education Manager. At our first appointment, she was fearful to talk about the possibility of returning to school. I listened as she tearfully spoke to me about returning to school and completing her High School Equivalency tests. Growing up, she believed that graduating from high school was never a possibility for her.
Natalie enthusiastically agreed to enroll at HSE Academy which would help her focus on the five subjects needed to obtain her High School Equivalency. She meets with a tutor two to three days a week after school and has passed her tests in four subjects. During this process, she gave birth to a son. Natalie remained determined to continue meeting with a tutor weekly even with her adorable infant boy by her side. After Natalie was able to get her son into childcare, she returned to school on campus. Natalie continues to remain focused on achieving her personal and professional goals. She is currently enrolled in the Business Management Leadership certificate program being offered on site here at Casa Teresa through American Heritage College and is looking forward to graduating this month. With a recently restored relationship with her family, she is excitedly anticipating her upcoming graduation. Over the past couple of months Natalie has actively pursued obtaining a driver’s license. She paid for her own driving lessons and recently passed her driver’s test with flying colors. Natalie is now a licensed driver! Her short term goal is to start saving money to buy a car. On that note, Natalie had her very first interview for a paid position as a sales associate at Casa Teresa’s resale boutique, “The Collection”. She began working at “The Collection” earlier this month. A journey that once began with doubt and fear, has now transformed into one of faith and confidence. Natalie is determined and dedicated to living a wholesome life and being a healthy example to her children. The daily love and support that she has received by the staff and volunteers at Casa Teresa has helped Natalie become a confident woman. Her growth and confidence is an inspiration to her children and all of us here at Casa Teresa. We can’t wait to see her confidently walk down the aisle at her graduation in her cap and gown this year!
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