Thrive: A Journey of Growth, Hope, and Finding Your Voice
Photo Credit: Josh Schipper//Today’s Catholic
At 46 years old, Melanie is a mother of four. She considers herself a good employee with a strong work ethic, with a little bit of a college education in her background.
She first heard about Catholic Charities when she was going through a tough situation. She had just moved to Indiana without any family or friends, three of her children and a promise of a dream job. Soon, she realized the job presented to her wasn't at all as expected and she was left unemployed. After a brief stay at a shelter, her daughter ended up in the pediatric ICU with double pneumonia, and Melanie lost her job again. With no income, she was scared and panicked, fearing they'd lose their rental and wouldn't have food. She didn't know what to do or where to go.
Goals of Thrive Life Skills Course:
Provide resources and life skills in a group setting.
Focus on vulnerable individuals who have emerged from crisis but need support to achieve self-sufficiency.
Offer both group learning and 1:1 case management.
Significantly improve self-sufficiency scores and overall well-being for at least 75% of participants.
One of her kid's school counselors told her to go to an area ministry for help with Christmas. Melanie felt she needed more than just that, and learned about Catholic Charities. She found out it was a place that could help with food and offer an advocate for her situation.
Upon the first visit to our Community Center of Caring Food Pantry, Melanie was struck by how genuinely kind the staff and volunteers were. She didn't anticipate getting as much food as she did and broke down in tears in the parking lot. She was overwhelmed, realizing her family had just been blessed with almost two weeks' worth of food. Then she met Catholic Charities' case manager, Heather. Heather's warm interaction made Melanie feel comfortable, easing the shame and grief she felt for being in this position. Heather gave her a large list of resources and suggested a Catholic Charities class that would help her get her life back on track by learning additional life skills she didn't already have.
The financial incentive of the Thrive Life Skills class initially caught Melanie's attention because she was living in a strong survival mode. Heather explained the class brought together people from different backgrounds to learn new topics each week to help them get back on their feet. Instead of just focusing on financial literacy, the class reviews how values, family, friends, spirituality and emotions plan a role in financial stability and overall well-being.
The support Melanie has been receiving from the classes has been life-changing. The participants are encouraged to expose themselves and be really transparent in the class. Realizing they are not the first person to experience losing a job, expensive car repairs, or toxic relationships allows participants to leave the past behind and commit to thriving.
Each week participants ask each other how things are going, excited to hear how each one has grown or moved past a difficult situation. The participants have built a small community of support for themselves.
Upon graduating in February, Thrive has already brought so much hope. Melanie wakes up feeling much more positive about her life. It has given her a voice, and she is grateful for the gratitude journal that reminds her of the good things, even on bad days.