My Name is Hope Albanese...

And this is my story.

As a graduate of the Ripple of One program, I can honestly look back on the last few years with a very proud and confident smile. I’m really grateful for where I am today and all I was able to accomplish while participating in the Ripple program!

When I first joined the program, I really needed Ripple’s help. I was in so much pain from losing my grandma and feeling lost without any other family support whatsoever. Ripple of One provided me with the encompassing support I was searching for. What a difference this program made for me. During the time I was participating, I obtained my bachelor’s degree!

I truly believe I lacked the confidence to go back to school but with my team’s back up, I felt as if I could move forward. Not only did Ripple support me, they pushed me to believe in myself and held me accountable. I'm proud to say, I completed 28 classes in the matter of only 14 months as a single mom of 3!! I now know that I can do anything I set my mind to do.

Now that I’ve graduated Ripple of One with a large savings, a bachelor’s degree and a job in my degree field at the Guardian Ad Litem Office for Oconee and Anderson as a Case Manager – I feel like it’s now my turn to give back. That’s why I decided to volunteer with The Dream Center and at the financial literacy class that current Ripple participants go through while in the program at Clemson Presbyterian Church called Financial Freedom Foundations.

My advice for all new Ripple participants would be to come in with an open mind. Be willing to open up and know that you will hit bumps but every bump that you hit there is something to learn from.

I would also say that sometimes the honeymoon stage of Ripple will go away and you can feel overwhelmed in different stages of your experience but Ripple will be there with each part to guide you. For those of you who support Ripple of One in the community: your donation is there to help those just like me to see that getting out of poverty can happen. Your support shows that going back to school and not only graduating but having support throughout the process is possible and attainable. Thank you!

Hope

“Not only did Ripple support me, they pushed me to believe in myself and held me accountable.”