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Reclaiming Hope

"Now I have hope and there is nothing better than that."

Shauntina was having a difficult time in January 2008 when her cousin told her about Twin Cities RISE!. "I was working two part time jobs, trying to make ends meet. I was hopeless and frustrated. I felt defeated." Shauntina had to support her family, but with a felony on her record she couldn't find a job that paid a living wage, much less a job she enjoyed.

When Shauntina started classes at TCR!, she had no goals in mind. "I was just trying to juggle everything at one time. I had a busy life and everything was on the go. I was just trying to make ends meet." On top of caring for her infant at home, working two jobs and taking classes, Shauntina was surrounded by negative people in her life. However, Personal Empowerment changed how Shauntina dealt with all the negativity in her life and how she reacted to bad situations. "Before I had a bad attitude and it showed. It did not matter who you were - whether you were a friend or a co-worker, if I was mad, you knew it." Through Personal Empowerment, Shauntina has learned to regulate her emotions during these times of frustration and anger. "I no longer take those emotions to work with me. It took me almost thirty years to realize that."

In June 2008, Shauntina was hired as an Administrative Assistant at Urban Homeworks, and she loves her job. "[Urban Homeworks] is an organization that helps low-income individuals in urban communities which is something I am passionate about. I like helping others who are in a similar situation as me." Not only does Shauntina now enjoy working, but her stress level and attitude have also changed dramatically. Through her experiences at TCR!, she has gained self-confidence and a better outlook on life. "TCR! gave me hope, and that is tremendous - knowing that there was something better out there for me." Recently, Shauntina spoke at one of TCR!'s orientations. "My goal is to be more comfortable with public speaking. I want to be able to tell my story to help women who are suffering through similar situations that I was in."

Shauntina's goals for the future include earning a degree in Human Services and giving back to others - both passions she discovered at Twin Cities RISE!. "I want to lead by example… by hearing my journey, it will give other women the hope to change their lives as well."