Aaliyah Edwards was overwhelmed and uncertain how to move forward. She was a single mother who was unemployed, without childcare, and had never obtained her high school diploma or a driver’s license. Due to Edward’s strong work ethic, deep desire to improve her life and the transformative power of encouragement, her life was about to change.

When Edwards came to Caring Connections Ministry CWJC in Raleigh, North Carolina, she shared her hopes, dreams and goals with Cynthia Thelen, director. Together, they developed a clear action plan to help Edwards take manageable steps toward stability and independence. 

“Over the past year, I have worked hard to build a better future for myself and my two children,” said Edwards. “As a single mother, I have faced many challenges, but I’ve also accomplished so much. I earned my high school diploma, obtained my driver’s license and secured steady employment, all while raising two children on my own, one of whom has autism. Each step I’ve taken has been motivated by my desire to create stability and opportunity for my family.” 

Edwards and Thelen navigated challenges together. Edwards found a daycare accessible by a convenient bus route. She found employment as a healthcare assistant at a senior living center. She works third shift to be available to her children after school and to take her son to medical appointments and therapy. 

Through Caring Connection’s local car partnership program, Edwards will be able to purchase a reliable vehicle for $660. Then, she plans to enroll in a local community college. Edwards made the decision to wait to enroll in college until she had transportation so she would not be limited to online courses.

“When I first met Aaliyah, she felt stuck and alone. With encouragement, guidance, and a clear path forward, she became motivated, confident and hopeful,” said Thelen. “Her journey reflects resilience, perseverance and the profound impact that support from a mentor can have on someone. She had the strength and skills within her the whole time, but needed someone to believe in her, motivate her, and offer words of hope.” 

Thelen said that Edward’s faith in God never faltered, even amid challenges. Instead, she leaned on God and knew He would carry her through this hard phase of life and trusted His plan. 

Edwards is this year’s recipient of the Sybil Bentley Dove Award, which is presented annually to a current or former CWJC participant who has demonstrated the desire to improve herself through the acquisition of skills or academic pursuits which lead to self-reliant living. The award includes a cash disbursement to the recipient as well as a cash disbursement to the nominating CWJC site to further the site’s ministry. 

Despite Edwards’ consistent employment, the high cost of living in her county makes it difficult for her to remain financially stable at times.

Edwards said the scholarship will be an incredible blessing that will help her continue to move forward. The scholarship will ease some of the financial burdens related to school, childcare, and transportation, allowing her to focus on growing both personally and professionally.

“My faith has been my source of strength through every obstacle, and I am grateful to organizations like yours that support individuals who are striving to make a difference for their families,” said Edwards. 

The Sybil Bentley Dove Endowment supports Christian Women’s Job Corps by providing scholarships to participants, program development grants for sites, and a grant for Dove award recipients. 

Visit wmufoundation.com to learn more or to support this endowment.

 

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by Tracey Gholson

Photo Credit: Shutterstock