Our Client Stories
Because of ELI and your support, hope has been restored to so many men and women and their families living in Birmingham, Alabama. Here are just a few stories of families thriving in our community
Guidance Given
Arlethia joined our program in 2019, after being referred by her son’s school counselor. The counselor noticed her son, a bright student, seemed to be struggling. Arlethia knew their home situation was taking a toll on her children. They had experienced homelessness and often slept in their car or at a hotel. Arlethia placed a high value on the education of her children, she knew things had to change.
Due to her family situation growing up and her struggle with ADHD, Arlethia dropped out of school after 6th grade. She had all five of her sons at a young age, but despite being a single mom she was able to get her CNA certification and obtain a job at a nursing home. She struggled with reading and writing and kept this fact hidden from people out of embarrassment. She never wanted her kids to feel that shame so she made sure they attended school and worked hard. Arlethia saw how intelligent her sons were and how quickly they were progressing. They inspired her to go back to school. When her second oldest entered high-school, she started a GED program at Maranathan Academy. She told her son, --“when you graduate, I’m going to graduate.” She did it! Upon receiving her diploma, she enrolled for classes at Lawson State. She’s almost finished with the nursing program, and in the spring she’ll start clinical rotations. She’s been preparing for the ACT, with the support of an ELI tutor. Arlethia chose nursing because of the passion she has for people. All she’s ever done as a CNA is help people. It is her desire to offer her patients love and encouragement.
Arlethia credits East Lake Initiative with giving her a more positive outlook on life. She wasn’t looking for a handout. She was looking to be pointed in the right direction and given guidance. Arlethia stated that “people can’t do it for you, but they can give you encouragement,” and that’s exactly what she feels she received at ELI. At ELI, we partner to help her achieve the academic and career goals she established. Arlethia and her family have now moved into an ELI house. Arlethia said the home is a dream come true.
Arlethia also recently finished financial classes. Through this she has realized the importance of giving back, She pays her tithe and thanks God for showing her how important it is to be generous. Arlethia is excited about the greater financial stability she’ll have as a nurse. It is her desire to use this to help others reach their goals. She knows there are more single moms who are struggling and are in the same place she found herself. Arlethia said she has a passion for encouraging young Black women, to share the importance of self-love and knowing who Christ is. She wants to tell others they too can make their dreams come true. We are so proud of Arlethia and grateful to partner with her. Her story and her heart inspire us and we hope it does the same for you!
Learn how you can enroll in our program and see your dreams realized ➝
Persistence Pays Off.
Angelica walked through the doors of Serving You Ministries for the first time in August of 2019. She had become a single mother in early 2019 and suffered from a stroke. Both of these events led to a lack of housing and a low credit score.
However, Angelica continued to fiercely fight for a better life for her three children. When the Serving You volunteer asked for an address, Angelica gave the address for a hotel. This led to an application for ELI and Thrive Together.
Even with a great job, housing application after application was turned down because of her history. Finally, through persistence of Angelica and partnership of ELI, Angelica moved into a home in early November 2019. She received support during her family’s four months under homelessness, and will continue to receive support.
We are so proud to know and partner with Angelica.
Relationships Count-Keisha Taylor
Hear Keisha's story of how her life was transformed positively because of the relationships she built with the community of people involved with ELI and the choices available to her.
Dreams to Reality.
The Hustle program has enabled me to bring a dream to life. Things that were once just aspirations are now tangible, and I am able to pursue that dream by better providing for my family. I can’t even put into words how beneficial it has been to me.
I get to cater to the needs of various lawns. I consider myself a yard servant. This is something that started for me as a child; I remember this being my first hustle with my father. I always took that passion with me. I tried to think of something long term that I could do to provide for my family and the lightbulb went off.
Thanks to ELI and the Hustle Grant I have now launched Trinity and Beyond Lawn Care and the best is yet to come.
Darius, Hustle Grant Reciepient
The Hustle Grant is available to all current East Lake Initiative and Thrive Together participants to help get their small business off the ground,
Resources to Reach Goals-Ellen Valesquez
Listen to one of our participants talk about how the resources she received from ELI and your support are helping her reach her personal and business goals.
Opportunity for Options.
One of our mothers was able to move out of government housing after three years of participating in our program. She got her degree, moved to a home in Calera and enrolled her kids in a good school. Upon moving she told us, “For the first time in my life, I have options. I choose where to live, work and send my kids to school.”