Doretta Pendergrass

I came to RISE scared, unsure, and recently separated; my life as I knew it had drastically changed.  I had not paid bills or budgeted anything like that in a long time.  I didn't really have the confidence that I could handle all the changes and financially support myself at all, I was broke and broken you could say.  Since joining Rise I have gained knowledge of budgeting, savings, credit, taxes, and life skills I had forgotten or not known.  The program has helped me in many other ways to from finding affordable housing, with transportation needs, and social life through community and networking. 

Through Rise I realize that confidence and independence go hand in hand.  That social networking and community make a difference in your life.  Having mentors like Patricia Deck and Missy Hayward has been a great blessing.  When you call them, you think it’s a tragedy, but they help you walk through scenarios and you slowly realize that what you thought was a mountain you couldn't climb is really a mole hill and with a plan of action and baby steps you can, not only get through things, but achieve things you never thought possible.

I am really proud of myself for being able to maintain my bills and keep a small savings but most of all I am proud I am achieving independence and staying accountable not only for my wins but my loses too.  I am currently looking for better employment and have just completed the resume building and job search class.  I am excited to see what else I can do over the duration of the program.  I appreciate all you do!