Mariella

Mariella* reached the breaking point of her relationship with her husband in 2014. She discovered he had multiple affairs, and his alcoholism was affecting their day-to-day lives. The couple worked the same job, and even commuted together, which was stressful for her.   

In August 2014, Mariella wanted to explore the possibility of divorce but didn’t have the extra funds to afford a lawyer. She contacted Fresh Start to access its Family Law Services for legal advice.   

Mariella quit her job at the company she worked for with her husband. The couple ultimately stayed legally married but embarked on mostly separate lives to make their relationship work.   

Despite not going through with a divorce, Mariella never forgot Fresh Start’s help in her time of need. So, 10 years later, when she needed assistance again to move her life forward, she immediately explored options with Fresh Start.  

“I was going through so many life changes: body changes with menopause, my diagnoses of diabetes and fibromyalgia. I had depression. I was going through a real rough time.”  

With her fibromyalgia diagnosis, Mariella’s body hurt constantly, and she grew used to being in pain.  Pain management made it difficult to continue working, so when her temporary position ended two years ago, she decided to take a break from the workforce.  

“I don’t depend on my husband, so my savings are pretty much in the red now. So, to pay for my things, I need to work.” 

Mariella’s primary goal in returning to Fresh Start was to set herself up for success in the job market.  

“When I reached out to Fresh Start, I said, ‘Okay, I’m ready to do something for my life. I can’t live like this.” 

She quickly connected with Fresh Start team member Trey, who helped Mariella review all the workforce training options. She decided to apply to the Cable Harness Wiring program, which began in April 2024.   

With her first few days of class underway, Mariella slowly felt the spark return to her life.   

“My sense of me came back again. It helped a lot to go out, get ready, attend class, and do the paperwork. It was a distraction for me. I didn’t have to focus on everything going on at home… it was the best thing I could’ve done.”  

Even though Mariella loved the Cable Harness Wiring program, she still encountered challenges in the two-week training. One of her toughest moments was when the professor told the class that the first test opportunity was the next day. She flunked it. After that shock, she prioritized studying after class and in her spare time to better prepare for her second chance at taking the test.   

“On the weekends, I put myself into study mode, and then (when the second test came around), I passed it with a 90 – the highest score in the class! I was reading so much. Every night, I went home and read a little bit to be ready by the time the test came back up. I was so proud of myself.”  

Another challenge was the pain from her illness, yet she found a new sort of strength back in the classroom.   

“The program gave me a lot of inspiration to keep going even in the hardest times. I didn’t feel good; I was in pain most of the time, but class was a distraction for me. That’s a good thing. Coming here and choosing a program that motivates you and takes your mind out of your problems, you can see the light at the end of the tunnel.”  

Mariella admitted that if she hadn’t come back to Fresh Start, she’d probably still be depressed at home.   

“I wouldn’t be happy, and I’d still be looking for a job, but I couldn’t wait any longer. I want to keep going with this new and different me.”  

She defined success as a well-rounded life: a job, a living wage that helps her stay healthy and allows her to travel, and a healthy family.   

“I feel like I’m close to that success for myself. It’s just a matter of a little time, but I will succeed and have a healthy life. I need to keep pushing myself out of the house and my comfort zone.”  

Mariella hopes that other women looking for a helping hand will take advantage of Fresh Start’s free career training programs and other resources.  

“Fresh Start guides you on where you must go and how to do it, which is very helpful. I’d still like to take other classes, too. This is an excellent place for us; it’s just us women. We understand each other, and that helps us go forward.”