From Jobless to Home Owner

“I could thank them all day, but it will never compare to the honest appreciation we have for REAL Services,” a grateful Corinna exclaimed.  In 2014, her life was completely different that it is today.  Corinna had lost her job.  She had 2 children and another one on the way.  Her husband worked at a warehouse and with two children and a third on the way, they needed the second income. She found a temporary position, but realized she was paying more in child care than what she was bringing home from the job.

When they did not have enough money to pay their utilities, Corinna contacted REAL Services’s Energy Assistance Program for help.  Then she was referred to the Family Development Program of REAL Services.

For the sake of her children, Corinna knew she needed a better education and a better job.  Through the Family Development program, she received information about budgeting, understanding her credit reports, nutrition, parenting skills, time management, career guidance, and so much more!  She also entered the IDA program, which is a savings plan that has matching dollars for each dollar she saved.  The money can only be used for education, business, or to purchase a home. 

“In less than 2 years of working with REAL Services, we were able to do so much and were blessed with a new home, and a new vision for our family,” Corinna explained.  “Making my own goals helped me remember my worth and within a short amount of time I made those goals come to life.”

She went from being unemployed to being on the Dean’s List at South Western Michigan College, and is now a certified and licensed phlebotomist with a full time job.  And for the first time in her life, she and her husband have bought their own home!