Crystal Holden

Crystal’s Story

EMPOWERING FAMILIES TO MOVE BEYOND GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE AND INTO THEIR FULL GOD-GIVEN POTENTIAL.

Hello, my name is Crystal Holden and I am a Ripple of One participant. I and my kids have been in this program for almost a year now and all I can say is “wow”! I am excited and honored to share my story so that someone may be motivated and encouraged to keep pushing. My story may be a bit different from others but it’s a good one all the same. Before I joined Ripple I felt like I had it all together. I had a good paying job and my kids were well taken care of. I could afford what I wanted and I splurged on things with no guilt. I was always the one who people came to when they were in need.

I was the “giver”. Then life happened. I had my youngest two girls very prematurely which led to me having to resign from my job. I did fine for a while but then the funds ran out and I had to leave my home and move back home with my parents. My kids were separated because there was not enough room for all six of us.

I finally landed a substitute job at Head Start for very low pay. That’s when my friend Tiffany told me about Ripple of One. I was hesitant at first but then I applied. I was at my wits end and I needed a way out. I needed my independence back. I am so glad I applied. Ripple gave me an out. They are very structured, non-biased, and non- judgmental. This is exactly what I needed in my life. A hand up but not a handout. If anyone knows me they know it’s hard for me to take help but this program is different.

I believed in savings before Ripple but having a financial coach helps me put things into a different perspective. This program helps me take accountability for everything I do. It keeps me organized and on track. I also have a mentor who is absolutely amazing. She is there for me without judgment and I love it.

My kids are also learning from Ripple of One. They are learning to save just like me. They can save up their incentives and purchase items. This has taught them to work for what they want and the value of a dollar. They’ve also met new friends that are in similar situations as them which make them feel like a family.

As of today I am proud to say that my family is under one roof. Ripple provided me with an internship at a real estate company which is helping me build my resume. I am currently in school to get my bachelor’s degree in Human Resources. The Ripple of One family has definitely changed my life by simply being there and being the support system that I never thought I needed. I am truly honored to be a part of this family and would encourage anyone to give them a try. It’s worth it! I am a living testimony of the Ripple of One program. If you want to change your life, this program is for you!

Thanks for letting me share my story.

Gracefully yours,
Crystal Holden