Catholic Charities Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program has been empowering families with single heads of household to overcome obstacles and achieve self-sufficiency since 1984. The program has been nationally recognized because of the unique way in which social workers and other staff collaborate for up to five years to help single heads of household achieve their goals.

Samara*, a single mother of two, joined Catholic Charities Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program in December 2017. At that time, she had no support system, and she struggled to maintain an income and provide a stable household.

After an initial assessment, Samara obtained a position as a part-time certified nursing assistant. She worked toward obtaining a commercial driver’s license, and then began to earn an even higher income as a school bus driver. Through her quarterly appointments with FSS staff members, Samara learned to plan budgets that were focused on reducing her owed balances and maintaining stable housing. As a result, Samara has been able to eliminate her car loan, reduce her credit card debt, and improve her budgeting skills. Samara’s case managers also encouraged her to return to school to focus on her primary goal of becoming a registered nurse.

“You manifest your own destiny.”

Another FSS graduate, Marianne*, said her goals at the beginning of the program were to secure stable housing and employment, to pay off debt and build credit, and to go back to school to help advance her career. Now that she’s accomplished those goals, she has set her sights on becoming a homeowner, starting her own business, and giving back to the community.

“I like that you manifest your own destiny,” she said. “I was given every opportunity and resource to change my life. I was the only person that could get in my way. There were so many different parts of FSS that were like balm to my soul. I love that putting in the work was the reward.”

Like Marianne, Samara struggled from a number of setbacks, including having her car damaged in a drive-by shooting in her neighborhood. Catholic Charities assisted her with a housing move to a safer apartment. Once established, Samara enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at Harper College. She continued working part-time, while attending classes online and in person. Balancing work, school, and family was a challenge, but Samara knew she could count on the support of her case manager, Anita.

From overcoming obstacles to achieving goals

During monthly check-ins, Samara and Anita identified stress points and ways to create time for self-care. By the end of 2021, Samara successfully graduated as an LPN. Samara encountered another obstacle after taking her licensure exam. She passed the exam but was informed her background check did not clear due to incidents in her younger years. With hard work and Anita’s guidance, Samara was able to expunge her record and complete her LPN.

When Samara received her license, she began her first full-time position earning $32 an hour, which is a 440% increase in wages since her entry into the program. With her license in hand, Samara enrolled in a bridge program through Harper College that allowed her to transfer into the nursing program and complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Samara has found additional satisfaction and stability since having a good, stable job. She graduated from FSS with a bank balance of $8,000. She continues to work full-time, attend school, maintain housing, and make her utility payments on time. Samara’s hard work and determination made her achievements happen. The FSS staff and program provided professional guidance, practical assistance, and encouragement that strengthened her self-sufficiency and empowered her to achieve her goals.

*Names changed