My name is Nicole and I am a single mom to two kiddos, my daughter Dayzi and my son Levi. I am a current Participant at Project Self-Sufficiency, going to school for my Bachelor’s in Business.

I’m interested in public relations abroad and I know that allowing myself to gain knowledge in business will be key in anything I do moving forward towards my independence in a career where I can freely and openly express and share my passions with people.

Learning about Project Self-Sufficiency

I originally heard about Project Self-Sufficiency when I was pregnant with Dayzi. I had gone back to school so that I could graduate and heard about the program from a friend.

She talked about the opportunities and blessings this program brought into other single parents’ lives and how the support and achievement possible through working with Project Self-Sufficiency was not just an illusion, it was a goal to be had and a life that could be known.

At the time I was not single and although I soaked up the knowledge, I went on with what my own reality.

Working with Project Self-Sufficiency

After finally applying in January of 2020, I was excited to be accepted and begin my journey with Project Self-Sufficiency.

The Advisors working for this organization are phenomenal. I will say that without a doubt my Advisor, Amanda, has been for me, personally, a smile that I didn’t know I needed during a dark and stagnant time.

She helped me think through the ideas I couldn’t conjure on my own and the challenges that had left me stagnant and at times confused in my direction in life with the amount of weight resting on my shoulders.

Project Self-Sufficiency has given me the tools and resources to be brave enough to walk down the unknown and towards a different more fulfilling and abundant future for my children.

Cars for Families Program

Although I have only been in the program about a year, when I was struggling with transportation issues, Amanda encouraged me to apply for a vehicle donation through Project Self-Sufficiency’s Cars for Families Program.

And I was approved to receive a donated vehicle!

But even though I was approved, the process to receive a vehicle takes time and I am currently still facing transportation struggles. The worst thing about being without a vehicle has been not being able to take my daughter to school and having to keep her home because of no way to get her there. Its too cold outside being winter season, or walking her to school would be a solution. So, I have kept her home when needed and other options were exhausted.

I can’t wait to receive a vehicle and not have to worry about how to get my daughter to school, run errands, and go to work.

And Project Self-Sufficiency doesn’t just help with education and transportation. The energy that comes from positive belief in another is powerful. Many growing up don’t often hear words of affirmation, which play a big role in someone’s success in life.

The support and genuine faith, confidence and care that Project Self-Sufficiency provides make a world of a difference when combined with the drive and ambition of a better future.

I have been able to make dreams that I never thought could be possible, into a plan and goals that I have knocked off the list, checked it twice and each time have had a confidence that is priceless.

Future Plans

After I graduate from this program, I want to start either my own business or nonprofit organization. My interest through and through is in Marketing and Public Relations. Empowering the people who have the strength to be better and push through is the ultimate vision!

Thank you for all your support and for making this program possible!