Pursuing a better future

Artoria was referred to Lifeline’s Supportive Housing program after contacting 2-1-1 to inquire about rental assistance programs. Artoria interviewed and was accepted into the Supportive Housing Program in August 2015. The Supportive Housing Program provides rental assistance and case management support for a period of up to 18 months while participants pursue an education and work towards self-sufficiency goals.

Artoria is a 35 year old single mother of two teenage daughters, and is in the process of rebuilding her life after divorcing her husband. After the divorce, she struggled financially to support herself and her children, and unfortunately, had to file for bankruptcy.

Artoria shared that, “At this point, I was very aware that a change needed to be made. I’ve been in and out of school for years and only obtained an Associate’s Degree. I knew that if I wanted to make a better life for me and my girls, I needed to complete school. This is where the Supportive Housing Program became a God send to me.”

Artoria has been employed in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst school system since 2010, and she has a great passion for providing guidance to the students and their families. She wanted to return to school at Cleveland State University to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. However, because of her financial history, she is unable to receive financial aid. To achieve her degree, she must pay out of pocket for eight classes at Cleveland State University, as well as three classes at Lakeland Community College.

With the rental assistance Artoria has received from Lifeline’s Supportive Housing Program, she has been able to do this and return to school to pursue her dream of becoming a school guidance counselor. And with the additional support and guidance from her case manager, Artoria has learned how to budget her money wisely and was able to begin a savings account.

“I’ve never had a savings account before this. It’s nice to not feel like I have to live paycheck to paycheck and to actually have a cushion in the event of an emergency,” said Artoria.

“I cannot express enough how blessed I am to be able to be a part of this program. I honestly never thought I would be able to continue with school because I knew that I couldn’t afford it. The Supportive Housing Program has not only allowed me to be able to go back to school, but has also helped me to become a better me for myself and my children.”