My journey wasn't easy, but it shaped who I am today. In my marriage, I often felt trapped by the vows I had taken and the fear of burdening my parents if I left. The birth of my two sons, both facing health issues and numerous surgeries, only added to the stress. I left my ex-husband several times, starting when my second son was just six months old. When I finally found the strength to leave for good, my boys and I began our new lives with only three suitcases, as all our belongings were in a storage unit in another state. With no money, credit, or assets, finding an apartment was incredibly challenging, even with my father as a co-signer. The wait for Section 8 Housing was unbearably long.

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I soon discovered that I couldn't afford before and after-school childcare, so I began searching for a part-time job. Unfortunately, many companies refused to even interview me, deeming me overqualified due to my Bachelor's Degree and assuming I wouldn't stay long. When I eventually secured a few hours of work each week, my food stamp benefits plummeted, revealing the flaws in a system that seems designed to keep people dependent.

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Despite my efforts, my income wasn't enough to cover utilities, even with a low-income discount. To make ends meet, I scoured Craig's List and Freecycle for items to resell and picked items up from the side of the road. Growing up on the East Coast, helping my parents in the antique business had given me a knack for this. By sharing my story with friends old and new, I received a hand up instead of a handout in the form of side jobs, such as babysitting and pet sitting and participating in focus groups. These side hustles were crucial in covering utilities, food, and gas. The work and minimal child support placed me in the gap right above the poverty line, where little assistance was available.

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My luck began to change when I was promoted six months after starting a part-time job. Reflecting on my journey, I wouldn't change a thing because it brought me my two amazing sons, who are my world. Through these challenges and countless conversations with other single moms facing similar struggles, I realized I had to make a difference.

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My personal experiences and the obstacles faced by single moms inspired me to create SHE IS HOPE LA. This organization is dedicated to providing the support and resources that single mothers need to thrive. Together, we can break the cycle of instability and empower single mothers and their children to achieve enduring success by giving them a new purpose, a new direction and a new hope!