Tameisha and her sons became homeless after fleeing an abusive relationship. While staying in a domestic violence shelter, the family learned they had been accepted into YWCA St. Paul’s Transitional Housing Program (THP). They received the keys to their new apartment just in time for her son’s fifth birthday and it was the perfect gift.
Once settled at THP, Tameisha began working with her case manager to overcome past trauma and set goals for her future. Because her abuser had stolen from her and closely controlled when and how she could spend money—Tameisha made learning to budget a top priority.
She also chose to focus on her education by working to pursue an associate degree in criminal justice. “I watched my mom struggle my whole life,” Tameisha explains. “[She was] a single mother working 3 to 4 jobs, and I didn’t want that to be me.”
In May 2014, Tameisha earned her associate degree and the following fall, graduated from THP. Now living in an affordable rental unit in the community, she plans to continue her education and hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree and achieve her goal of becoming a probation officer.