Graduate of Financially Self-Sufficent Program Creates A Better Future
By: Marlisa Goldsmith
Updated: October 23, 2011
"A crime happened in our home that left me as a single mother," explains Vonda Sills.
When she was left with no where to turn, Sills looked into joining Abilene's housing program.
Sills says, "I had probably been on housing for about a year and my case worker told me of the program and told me I was the perfect candidate."
The program she is referring to is the Housing Authority's Financially Self-Sufficient Program.
"This program, we actually help families set goals to become financially self-sufficient," says Gene Reed, Executive Director of the Abilene Housing Authority.
This year the Abilene Housing Authority has seen two individuals surpass all expectations.
"They've stepped up to the bat. They set goals, they obtained those goals, and both of those individuals have graduated from the program," says Reed.
One of those individuals happens to be Sills.
"The whole process of being on H.U.D and what I was going through, going to school and everything, was a very trying time," Sills explains.
But she knew she would have to step up to the challenge sooner rather than later.
In May Sills took that first step by graduating from McMurry University.
"I graduated with a degree in Sociology," says Sills.
Following graduation, Sills started her new job, and with this new job came another change.
Sills says, "I called housing and I told them I was getting that job and that I was going to find a different place to live that was not H.U.D. approved and that I wanted to be off the program."
This was a big step that not many people choose to take.
"Took a lot of courage that I didn't know I had," says Sills.
After choosing to move on, Sills graduated from the Financially Self-Sufficient Program, which allowed her to create an even better life for her and her daughter.
"The day of my graduation she told me many times how proud she was of me," Sills continues.
Which meant the world to her.
"That makes me know that i have made a difference for her," says Sills.
Looking back over the past four years, Sills says she wouldn't have imagined she would be where she is now, but she says with a little motivation and initiative others can do exactly what she did.
Sills says, "They may be afraid, but sometimes that fear is what leads us to courage we need to press on."
When she was left with no where to turn, Sills looked into joining Abilene's housing program.
Sills says, "I had probably been on housing for about a year and my case worker told me of the program and told me I was the perfect candidate."
The program she is referring to is the Housing Authority's Financially Self-Sufficient Program.
"This program, we actually help families set goals to become financially self-sufficient," says Gene Reed, Executive Director of the Abilene Housing Authority.
This year the Abilene Housing Authority has seen two individuals surpass all expectations.
"They've stepped up to the bat. They set goals, they obtained those goals, and both of those individuals have graduated from the program," says Reed.
One of those individuals happens to be Sills.
"The whole process of being on H.U.D and what I was going through, going to school and everything, was a very trying time," Sills explains.
But she knew she would have to step up to the challenge sooner rather than later.
In May Sills took that first step by graduating from McMurry University.
"I graduated with a degree in Sociology," says Sills.
Following graduation, Sills started her new job, and with this new job came another change.
Sills says, "I called housing and I told them I was getting that job and that I was going to find a different place to live that was not H.U.D. approved and that I wanted to be off the program."
This was a big step that not many people choose to take.
"Took a lot of courage that I didn't know I had," says Sills.
After choosing to move on, Sills graduated from the Financially Self-Sufficient Program, which allowed her to create an even better life for her and her daughter.
"The day of my graduation she told me many times how proud she was of me," Sills continues.
Which meant the world to her.
"That makes me know that i have made a difference for her," says Sills.
Looking back over the past four years, Sills says she wouldn't have imagined she would be where she is now, but she says with a little motivation and initiative others can do exactly what she did.
Sills says, "They may be afraid, but sometimes that fear is what leads us to courage we need to press on."
