Jessica's Story

Hi, I’m Jessica!

There's nothing quite like Ripple of One and I am so happy that I get to be part of their program. Here is my story...

Growing up, I was the ‘nerdy’ type. I had good grades and almost no social life outside of school. I lived with my dad as a teenager and moved to China for 2 years before coming back stateside where I got my GED and finished high school.

At 19, I moved out on my own with my boyfriend. We did not have a plan for budgeting, and we lived paycheck to paycheck most of the time. I had my first child at 21, my second child at 24, and have since been raising them on my own. I’ve struggled with finding a job that I am passionate about and have not had many jobs that I’ve held for longer than a year.

Since being in Ripple, I’ve made more time for myself than I have in a really long time. I’ve taken better care of myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. I am 100% more confident in myself than before I started the program.

I am going back to school to get my Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. I see a great need for special education teachers in our community and have a child with special needs so I am passionate about pursuing this role!

My Ripple team has been so amazing and encouraging. My health coach Mary helps me feel my best in my own skin. Tom, my financial coach, is helping me figure out my financial future and how to get there. My mentor Miriam is the person I can go to about anything and she gives amazing advice. I have to give credit to my family as well who have gone above and beyond with helping out with the kids so that I can learn to become financially stable.

Before joining Ripple I knew a little about what they had to offer, but the dedicated staff volunteers and sponsors are truly the heart of the program and make it what it is!