Success_Alex2019

Alex's Story

Alex’s life changed, thanks to you!

Growing up, Alex was unsupported at home. Her mom, an alcoholic who was also addicted to pills, struggled to provide for many of her basic needs and was little in the way of a positive influence. Despite these challenges, Alex was extremely motivated in school. She was an honor student and worked hard to maintain her grades. She frequently stayed late at school when she needed help or tutoring, even though it meant missing the bus and walking the 5 miles home.

After graduating, she was determined to find a job and become self-sufficient so she began working as a CNA. Finances were tight, but she was surviving. It was when she had her son that things began to fall apart. “I felt like every month I was having to choose between paying rent and getting food for us to eat.” She struggled to keep her head above water and pay her bills, but she knew she needed to make a change. When she began looking for a roommate to share expenses, she found Brevard Rescue Mission (BRM).

BRM provided her with the stability and foundation she’d been craving her whole life. “For the first time in my life, I felt like I had a Mom. I was always so afraid to show anyone how alone I was, but I needed to become my own person and learn how to adult.” Through counseling and case management, Alex learned the tools she needed to create stability and a better life for herself and her family. BRM taught her how to plan and budget and manage her finances. They also helped her to set goals and plan a career path that included benefits and better wages – things she never learned from her mom.

Alex now works a high-tech job, with plans to continue her education and pursue an engineering degree. She hasn’t forgotten the help from BRM. In fact, she frequently goes back to mentor and give hope to the current clients. Thanks to you, this young family - Alex, Kyle and their two children are now living on their own and well on their way to long-term self-sufficiency. With a just a little help from their community, they are building the foundation for their family that Alex never had.