"I cannot say enough about the volunteers who helped build my home."
Consuelo
When Consuelo reflects on her life, she realizes that she has overcome a lot. Once on welfare living in public housing, she now sits on the homeowner’s association board of her Habitat community, works as a life coach for youth transitioning out of foster care, and is applying for the Master’s program in social work at State. “I did not let those programs stagnate me. I used them as stepping stones.”
Consuelo found out about Habitat from two people in the program. “I loved the process. I cannot say enough about the volunteers who helped build my home.” What she likes most about her home? She no longer has to worry about the financial stress of fluctuating rent. And now, she and her 13-year-old daughter have a dog - Marley. Though a simple thing to most, the dog represents empowerment and stability for her family.
Consuelo’s future is bright. Her strong support system and faith continue to motivate her to achieve her dreams. When she looks back, she sees a single mother, struggling to work and go to school but becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. When she looks forward, she sees herself as a professional, licensed in Clinical Social Work; working as a Christian therapist and serving as an advocate for equality.
Editor's note: Consuelo was admitted into the Master of Social Work Program at NC State in March 2010. Congratulations, Consuelo!