Being a single mother can be challenging. For Alyssa, this was especially true as she was raising her three children while homeless. She was living in a shelter for three months with her children when she first met Kory in February 14, 2024. Kory knew that she needed assistance to live a safe and sustainable life with her children. With his knowledge of resources in Cumberland County and determination to help people Kory, became “one of many lighthouses during my journey through rocky waters,” says Alyssa.
When working with Alyssa, Kory would meet her at the shelter, helping to him better understand the barriers she was facing. Alyssa has many goals when she first started meeting with Kory. She needed housing, childcare, a job, transportation and to figure out a budget to balance all of the associated expenses. Our self-sufficiency coordinators focus on all of these things as part of their goal planning to help their clients achieve financial independence.
The first goal that Alyssa needed to achieve was getting childcare for her two youngest children. She was able to find this on her own through the Early Learning Resource Center. Kory then was able to help her with finding employment by assisting her through the application process and preparing her for interviews.
By this time, Alyssa needed to find a home that she could afford as her time at the shelter was coming to an end. Kory was able to assist her with applying for a local housing organization with which TCCA works closely. Kory advocated for Alyssa to get accepted into the program. After working with the housing agency, Alyssa was accepted into the program, and she was able to get housing in Shippensburg. Alyssa also was able to get a more reliable car through local resources so that she could reliably transport her children to day care as well as make it to her new job.
Today, Alyssa and her children live in a safe and stable home, a foundation for building the future she envisions. Her focus has shifted to long-term goals: advancing her career, pursuing further education, achieving financial independence, and continuing to work on her mental health. For the first time in years, Alyssa feels hopeful and excited about what’s ahead.
Reflecting on her journey, Alyssa credits much of her progress to Kory’s support. “Kory’s reliability and encouragement have been immeasurable,” she shares. “If he says he’s going to do something, it gets done. His belief in me helped me believe in myself again.” Our self-sufficiency coordinators services are more than just providing resources, it’s about helping clients like Alyssa navigate life’s challenges with resilience and hope.
