Unemployed due to a lack of reliable and affordable childcare, a mother of two young children sought emergency shelter assistance through NVFS. Overwhelmed and feeling hopeless, she struggled to move past her fears, often breaking down during her meetings with NVFS staff. Her only motivation was her children, and she needed support to find a job that would allow her to care for her family.
NVFS staff arranged mock interviews to boost her confidence and enhance her job search skills. Initially, she found it hard to answer questions, unable to identify personal achievements due to low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. The staff worked closely with her to uncover her strengths—resilience, kindness, compassion, and determination—alongside her valuable job skills. As she recognized these qualities, her confidence grew, and her mock interview performance improved.
Childcare remained a barrier, so NVFS staff helped her find employment where she could bring her children. In a breakthrough moment during a shelter work group, she announced she had secured a job at a daycare that allowed her to take her children with her. Her pride and joy were evident as she shared this accomplishment.
Although her journey continues, she has courageously confronted self-doubt, anxiety, and fear to move forward. This transformation reflects the critical impact of NVFS’s support in helping shelter guests achieve self-sufficiency. Her perseverance is a true success story worth celebrating.