Family Support Inspires Success
A strong support system can make all the difference when working toward long-term goals.
With encouragement from family, Jane Bernard, a participant in Opportunity Home’s Housing Choice Voucher program, recently completed the Family Self-Sufficiency program, a five-year federally-funded initiative that helps participants build financial stability and achieve greater self-sufficiency.
During her time in the program, Bernard reached several important milestones. She secured employment in the medical field as a unit clerk and patient care technician, completed financial literacy and homebuyer education courses, and increased her household income by more than $36,000.
Bernard credits her mom, son and brother for being her “biggest cheerleaders” throughout her journey.
“They’ve been by my side every step of the way,” she said. “They’ve uplifted me and encouraged me to complete my goals and strive to achieve more.”
When Bernard joined the FSS program five years ago, she was focused on creating new opportunities for herself and her family.
Before enrolling, she was navigating housing instability and depression while raising her son as a single parent. Motivated by a desire to build a more stable future, she set goals centered on education, career growth and financial independence.
With support from her FSS case manager, Bernard enrolled in medical training classes and began pursuing a career in healthcare.
“Having my son inspired me to do better,” Bernard said. “The light bulb turned on for me as a mom to realize I need to create a better life for my family.”
With several milestones behind her, Bernard is already working toward her next goals.
She is preparing for the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) exam and plans to enroll in nursing school this fall. She is also working toward another longtime goal: homeownership.
A desire to care for others continues to shape Bernard’s path forward.
“I want to help people feel better,” she said. “I’ve always had a passion to help others. I’ve had nurses tell me that I could be the best nurse ever, and that is very heartwarming to hear.”