Success Stories

Megan

Megan:

Before coming to Brighton Center I was living in Kansas City, where I struggled in life, running from my problems and listening to peers’ advice who were struggling themselves. My grandmother had recently moved to Cincinnati and wanted to help my son and I. She encouraged me to move and obtain my GED - which I did in three months through the help of the YWCA.

My first interaction with Brighton Center was shortly after moving to Northern Kentucky from Kansas City with one child and another on the way. Feeling very alone and in “last place,” I had fallen behind on my rent. I reached out to Brighton Center and met with a Resource Advocate, Amy Thornton. I remember being so scared walking in those doors, but Amy looked me in the eyes and said, “Do you really think this is it for you?” I immediately felt a weight lifted off of me and even though the immediate crisis was not fixed, her words lifted my spirit and ultimately changed my life.

Through Amy’s encouragement, I was accepted into Northern Kentucky Scholar House and was awarded a $10,000 scholarship from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, as well as grants and awards from other agencies, so I could attend Gateway Community & Technical College. Because of Brighton Center and other agencies, I am now a Social Work major and am proud to say I have 4.0 GPA. I expect to graduate in the fall of 2020 with my associate’s degree and then I will be pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Northern Kentucky University.

I am feeling stable and learning the importance of good credit and managing my income so I can support my two children - Travon, who is 9 and Tadin, who is 3. I am so proud of these boys. Travon is often seen at Scholar House offering to help moms carry in their groceries or sticking up for friends who may be feeling bullied at school. Tadin is doing well at Bright Days Child Development Center, another wonderful Brighton Center program. I am also able to give back, most recently sharing my story at a United Way kick-off event at Procter & Gamble. I also volunteer at Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission.

If I could send one message to others I would say, don’t be afraid of help, be afraid of NOT asking for help. Waiting to figure it out may not always work, but reaching out to Brighton Center will open doors you don’t expect, and will help you get further than you would ever imagine.

I realize now that feeling in “last place” had value because my children and our future came first.

Wendy

Caroline

In December 2018, my son and I were homeless. With all of our belongings in a backpack, we jumped couch to couch just to stay out of the cold. 

I never questioned my ability to be a mom. I knew I could do it, but situations like finding work without steady child care or getting the right education when you can’t find the time, make it hard to get by. At the time, we were the only family each other had. 

Aurora Butler

When asked for one word to describe herself, Aurora Butler did not hesitate. “Adaptable,” she said. “I am always able to adapt to my situation and make it work for me.”  Although these past few months have been difficult for Aurora, as the sole provider for her three children she could not give up.  She was determined to keep pushing forward and that perseverance has paid off.  Aurora has found her dream job at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

Elsa

Elsa first found out about the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program through a friend.

Hannah

Melissa Pilcher

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, meet Melissa Pilcher, Nutrition Education Assistant through University of Kentucky’s Nutrition Education Program.

Randi

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, meet Randi, Lead Financial Analyst at GE. Randi supports, encourages, and empowers youth in Brighton Center's STEM Bike Club not only during the afterschool program but also in their daily lives.

April Williams

I’ve always been an alcoholic, but I never knew it. I thought I was just really good at partying.

Areion

Most high school seniors are simply trying to get through school, hang out with friends, and plan their next break, but when Areion saw an opportunity knocking, she did not hesitate to grab it. While attending a low income housing meeting with her mom, Areion learned about Brighton Center’s Center for Employment Training, (CET) and the debt-free training offered.