Ty Boyd – Total Escrow of $18,057.

Ty's goals when she came into FSS were to get a better job, get reliable transportation and to become a homeowner. She worked hard and now is in MHA's Homeownership Program. She owns a nice home, has a good job, and is looking forward to using her remaining escrow money for the down payment on a 2004 SUV. While she was in the program, she bought a used car and kept it in good repair. She also used her escrow to pay off student loans so she would be able to qualify for a mortgage, and then used part of her escrow for the down payment and closing costs on her home. She graduates FSS with a check for $6,188.

Erika Sledge – Total Escrow of $4,553

Erika has had many obstacles in her path toward self-sufficiency in the last five years. She started the program with very few marketable job skills, she needed reliable transportation and had two very young children to support. Her dream job was to be a radiologist. Although she couldn't qualify for the program, she didn't give up, and began working temporary positions through Job Resources. This enabled her to not only stay employed, but to build her experience and job skills to become a valuable asset as an employee in any business setting. She was able to use some of her escrow for day care payments, and credit repair which helped her get a loan to buy a nice, reliable car. She graduated with a check for $1,250.

Kristina Jackson – Total Escrow of $846

Kristina is a mother of 3 who said "If it wasn't for my mom, who takes care of my kids, I would have a hard time working." She has been with the same company in food service at MGH for two years now and really enjoys the variety of duties she is responsible for. This is the first time for her at a job that offers medical benefits and a retirement account. She was very surprised that she had so much money saved in her escrow account. Her plans are to take her mom out to dinner, and then save the rest. Next year, her goal is to get into the Homeownership Program because her credit is almost where it needs to be to qualify for a mortgage. What a great success story she has about becoming self-sufficient!!