The following success story was submitted by RCAM regarding a participant in the Family Self-Sufficiency program. Dollars given to UWKV support this program as well as many others across Kennebec Valley.

Hazel is a newly single mother of two children under the age of nine who worked hard to maintain her home while balancing part-time work with her children’s school schedules. While she was determined to provide for her family without the added expense of childcare, she found herself facing significant hurdles. After her furnace broke, Hazel reached out for help, leading her to RCAM. At the time, she was not only dealing with a cold home but was also struggling to keep her mortgage paid and her family fed.

Despite her immediate needs, Hazel was initially hesitant to engage in additional support services. RCAM staff recognized her resilience and provided a “warm hand-off” to KVCAP to fast-track her furnace repair through LIHEAP. Understanding that true stability requires more than just a quick fix, the intake worker remained a supportive presence, providing Hazel with food pantry information and mailing her a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) self-assessment tool to consider at her own pace.

Hazel recognized that her financial situation was a roadblock to her family’s future. Impressed by the respectful and compassionate way she was treated by the staff, she revisited the FSS materials. She realized the program could be the key to moving beyond her current crisis. Advocating for her own growth, Hazel called RCAM and officially enrolled in the FSS program and financial counseling.

The transformation has been inspiring. Working closely with her FSS coach, Hazel set clear goals to increase her household income. She demonstrated immense dedication by completing an online medical transcription course and earning her certification.

Her success has provided her with the foundation and confidence needed to secure a full-time hybrid job at a livable wage. More importantly, it has given her family long-term security. Hazel’s story highlights the vital importance of supportive, multi-layered programs that empower individuals to overcome systemic barriers and unlock their full potential.