Goal Getter
West Palm Beach resident Shanice joined the Securing Our Future Initiative (SOFI) after she and her three daughters found themselves homeless and living with her mother.
Dealing with uncertainty and a crowded living situation, things between Shanice and her mother became tense, and before their status became utterly unmanageable, Shanice moved in with a friend, started two different jobs and started focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel, instead of the situation she was currently in.
“Since her daughters are old enough to look after themselves, Shanice could focus on her goal – moving into her own place where her children can feel comfortable,” said Community Connector Brittany Hightower. “Her daughters are between nine and fifteen years old, and they’re watching everything their mother does.”
Brittany has been working with Shanice since October 2022 and credits Shanice’s positive attitude as the primary motivator in her desire to succeed.
“Shanice is excited to work but needs a little more stability so we’re working together on budgeting and credit counseling,” Brittany said.
In addition to financial foundations, the team is also working on finding a place to live and filling out apartment applications.
“I ask all of my clients to list three goals,” Brittany said. “Then I ask them, ‘What’s the main goal?’ That’s what we’re going to hit hard. And then, we’ll work on the next.”
“Sometimes things take time,” she said. “I try to let them know that if they’re willing to work, I’m willing to work right there with them. Shanice is a giver. She’s enjoys helping others, which is wonderful, but sometimes, when you’re so busy trying to help others, you forget to help yourself.”
Brittany understands that patience, an encouraging attitude, and support are vital when dealing with financial matters and homeownership goals.
“I use myself as an example and tell them they need to take care of themselves as well,” she said. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Brittany is optimistic about Shanice’s success and says her client's determination is why.
“When I first met her, Shanice was enthusiastic and into the program. She told me, ‘Once I put my mind to something, I’m going to get it,’ and I believe her,” Brittany said. “She constantly reached out to me until she was able to execute her goals.”
Shanice is not only a go-getter but a goal-getter too. With a positive attitude and resources from Community Partners of South Florida and the SOFI program, she and her daughters will thrive.
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Join us on the journey. For more information on the Securing Our Future Initiative and how we are developing more opportunities for PBC residents to thrive in strong communities, please get in touch with our SOFI Coordinator Cory Campbell at 561.841.3500 ext. 1002 or submit a referral via our website by clicking here: https://www.cpsfl.org/submit-referral.