Reecy Butler: A Ripple Graduate!

Hey, my name is Durecelle, better known as Reecy! I can now say that I am officially a Ripple graduate! I will be volunteering with Ripple of One as a graduate advocate when we are able to meet back together as one! I cannot wait to tell others my story and success from this amazing program.

Before I found out about Ripple, I was living a life above my means. My marriage was failing and life was just an emotional roller coaster. My family was barely making ends meet. I would always try to create a monthly budget, but I was never able to stick to it. There were no savings and barely any extra money to do anything. 

I have always had a savings account but there was never any money in it. Since joining Ripple, I have a savings account with over 3 months of emergency funds in it! I have never been able to save money because knowing it was in there, I would pull it out to spend it on something that I wanted. Budgeting before joining the program was doable, but I never was able to keep it. I would create the budget and then just trash it. Now, being in the program I make sure all my bills are covered first, and then all the extras come later. 

I have worked for Ingles Bakery in Seneca for six years. I finally was promoted to the bakery manager and had that position for 4 years. Last year, I became very burned out as a manager and wanted to desperately change jobs. I really wanted to be promoted to a customer service manager but the position just wasn't available. Then one day the position opened--I was finally given the opportunity. I was in that role for three months when they told me they really needed me back as bakery manager but at a smaller store in Anderson. I was exhausted previously as a bakery manager and truly enjoyed my new role with the company. It was a really tough decision and I went back-and-forth for a while. But after thinking about this, I decided to take on the Bakery manager position because it was a smaller more intimate bakery. I am really happy I took that offer because It is a completely different experience and I'm truly enjoying my time here!

Ever since being in the Ripple program I have gained so much confidence and have become stable! I am not 100% where I want to be, but I will be there soon! I wake up every morning with a smile because I know that I have a family that has my back all the time whenever I need it! Ripple helps you learn the true meaning of family and the values of it!

Whenever anyone asks me about Ripple, I tell them the amazing experience I have had. I tell them all the things we do and all the things that help us gain and achieve our goals. I will forever be grateful for Ripple of One and the impact they have instilled in my life!