Darci’s Story
“It was a struggle just being able to buy toothpaste and shampoo.”
~ Darci, former REACH resident
Darci lived in a REACH house on SE 18th and Division for 10 years. When she first moved in, she saw REACH housing as an opportunity to escape poverty and make a better life for her son. As a single working mom going to school, everything was a struggle. School and life expenses added up fast. She struggled with student loans and credit card debt, not realizing how difficult it would be to pay these off.
When times were tough, Darci accessed REACH’s emergency food supplies. She knew that she could rely on REACH and our staff to be advocates for her and her son. “At Christmas, REACH would give us food and presents. Those were the only presents my son got for many years.” Darci says. She also took the opportunity to send her son to summer camps with the assistance of Resident Services.
She took advantage of REACH’s financial education program, receiving financial coaching, creating a budget, and gathering up her courage to deal with her creditors.
Darci has saved for her future, and moved into a new home with her son. With her master’s degree completed, Darci works as a special education teacher. She’s always had a passion for education, and shares her talents with her students every day.
