Mary was nineteen, unemployed and living at Covenant House when staff encouraged her to take a class presented by YWCA called “Budgeting Basics.” The inconsistency of her life as a foster kid meant that she had never learned strategies for saving money or the importance of budgeting. When the teacher found out Mary was unemployed, she suggested she work one-on-one with staff to create a resume and begin applying for jobs. The search was successful! Her new retail job paid $12 an hour.

Over the next 6 months, she continued living at Covenant House while saving $4500. She checked back with YWCA to get help creating a budget that would allow her to transition into her own home while still saving money for school.

With her new strategies for saving in place, she is feeling empowered and hopeful.

United Way is invested in the programs that will lead to financially secure futures. Covenant House helped Mary access a community of supportive, helpful adults and peers. YWCA gave her the skills she needed to get a job and manage her money. Together, we can ensure that every child is given a fighting chance at a bright future.