Rebecca Roach
Rebecca’s Story
EMPOWERING FAMILIES TO MOVE BEYOND GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE AND INTO THEIR FULL GOD-GIVEN POTENTIAL.
My name is Rebecca Roach, I’ve been a Ripple of One participate for the last 3 years. I’m a high school drop out, had a Down Syndrome baby, Ian, at the age of 18. Ian was very sick with a critical heart condition and ended up having to stay in the hospital for the first 5 months of his life. I had no money and was so thankful for Ronald McDonald house. His father lost his job because of having to be in Charleston with us in 2010. Then about 10 months later I found out I was pregnant again! Riley ended up in NICU for 2 months.
After lots of prayers, we pulled through and now both kids are healthy and running around everywhere. When Riley was 5 months old I made the decision to go back to get my GED. I met a wonderful lady, Anne Marie Baker from Palmetto Youth Connections. She helped me every step of the way. I got my GED in 8 weeks and went on to register for Tri-County Technical College. I am studying Nursing and hope to be done in the fall of 2015.
Ann Marie referred me to Ripple. I filled out an application, interviewed at United Way and started the program. I had to write a one page essay on my goals. I wrote that I would like to work at the Tribble Center as a caregiver to help those adults who need a little extra attention. I got the job and I’ve been promoted to manager!
I went through Financial Freedom class-which helped me learn how to manage my money and plan for my income and future. Soon I was starting to be matched $200 every month. That along with my tax refund saving I was able to get to $9,000 in savings! There was a time a few years ago where I received $2,000 for a tax refund and I spent it within a couple of months and I really couldn’t tell you where it went.
Another goal was to own a house by 2017, where my kids can have a yard to play in and a house to call home. My financial coach Donna helped me with my credit and my dream will soon become reality.
I can now say I don’t receive any assistance- every dime I make is what I work for. I’m glad I was able to get the help from the government, but it feels GREAT to be doing things on my own.
I want to become a Ripple mentor to help other ladies like myself. After all, it’s such an empowering program. Ripple is a great program and I am so thankful God has placed me with great people.