“My most recent check was about $350, and my rent is $300, which is nothing, but it’s literally my whole paycheck. I’m going to have to do something else.”
In Fall of 2024, Yazmine* found herself in a tough financial situation. She was working as a bartender and bowling alley attendant for minimum wage while trying to make ends meet and support her two treasured pet ferrets.
To make matters worse, after dreaming of diving into the “van life,” she recently had to take her beloved van to the junkyard.
“With my limited finances, there’s literally nothing in the budget. I make 11 dollars an hour and am so in the red.”
Although she was now in stable housing with her grandmother, Yazmine endured multiple occasions of homelessness. A firm believer in opening up about the past, Yazmine spoke to those around her about her experiences.
“One of my coworkers asked me. ‘Why do you talk about that?’ And I said, ‘Why not? I know that people around me are living in their cars right now… They have kids, the bills are piling up, the accounts are in overdraft, and they’re struggling.”
In talking about her struggles, Yazmine felt her connection and community with others could grow stronger. So, when her financial situation worsened, she reached out to her community for help.
“I didn’t know what to do at that point. I felt lost a little bit. I couldn’t figure out any other way.”
Yazmine’s stepmom referred her to Fresh Start, and she was particularly drawn to the Cable Harness Wiring program offered by Fresh Start in partnership with Maricopa County Community Colleges. She recalled that the enrollment process, which had previously prevented her from returning to a university setting, was a hurdle to overcome.
“My stepmom helped me along the way because there were a lot of steps, and it was stressful for me.”
She was accepted into the Cable Harness Wiring cohort beginning in October 2024, and she was excited to take advantage of Fresh Start’s other resources and connections.
On the first day of the cohort, Yazmine was stressed given the news that the class would take the first of two tests the next day. The coursework started with textbook learning, and Yazmine didn’t feel confident with the material until the hands-on work began.
“That for me was stressful… That was the biggest thing for me – not really understanding anything until I did it. The bookwork helped me a lot because that was how I learned. Then, once we did the hands-on stuff, it was like, ‘Okay, I know how this works now.”
As the course progressed, Yazmine was determined to finish and remembered her motivator when times got hard.
“My dad is motivation. He’ll call me and cry just because. He’s my rock. He inspires me.”
For Yazmine, getting to class wasn’t easy. Every day she arrived at class was a showcase of her commitment to the program and accomplishing her goals.
“I don’t have a car, so transportation was my hardest thing. I had to Uber to class and work. That was draining on my very limited pockets. I had to plan hours in advance to take the bus. My credit cards run up every month, and it’s exhausting.”
But without Fresh Start, her situation would have been even more dire. She received support resources that helped her organize credit card bills, and transportation costs.
“I’d still be struggling. I’m grateful, but in this day and age, that stipend, that’s rent or just half people’s rent. So, like, the stipend is so helpful right now. My credit card bills have racked up with all the transportation and everything. So, I’m clutching this money tight.”
Yazmine enjoyed getting new professional clothes through Fresh Start’s partnership with W.H.E.A.T., which helps outfit women in need with professional attire.
“I don’t have professional clothes. I bought what I’m wearing now for a funeral, but had it not been for that, I don’t have professional clothes. The last time I was told to dress professionally for an interview, I literally wore my uniform from the bowling alley, which is black slacks. Fresh Start has so many resources, and I know I haven’t tapped into everything.”
She also worked with Fresh Start Financial Empowerment Coach Matt on her financial priorities and budgeting.
“His class was great. He gave me a lot of advice, and I’m trying to take it. I’m only 21, so I’m trying to figure it out. He always talked about what his daughter likes to spend money on, and I’d say, ‘Okay, I’m just like your daughter.”
Yazmine felt encouraged on her Fresh Start journey during the mock interview sessions in her cohort. As a self-described confident speaker, Yazmine was floored by the feedback she received.
“Going through the mock interviews provided such good advice and feedback. They said, ‘Wow, you crushed that.’ And I knew I was going to, but that was great to hear.”
Reassured by her mock interviews, Yazmine has started interviewing with companies in the advanced manufacturing industry. She also aims to continue her education at Fresh Start with the semiconductor technician program. Until then, she hopes her story motivates other women to stay encouraged on their journeys.
“Don’t let your small experiences set you back; it’s not worth it. Whatever happens, you’ll get over it. I’ve been homeless multiple times, and I’m only 21. Things get better.”