Belinda Avery, 33, was raised by her mother, a single parent and school teacher, who retired earl_ health reasons. Withjust a high school diploma, Belinda worked an entry-leveljob at a retail ban · that offered few opportunities for advancemenThen, with help from The Bridge Fund’s Income Growth Initiative, Belinda enhanced her resume an job search skills and soon secured full-time employment in the pharmaceutical field. Her job allo \·e her to work remotely, which proved vital after her mother’s diagnosis of early-onset dementia, following several minor strokes. t. Motivated by her mother’s declining health and a desire for a better future for herself, Belinda made the bold decision to quit her job and enrolled: time at Mercy College. She was determined to finish her associate degree in Health Science. But e underestimated how long her savings would last and soon fell behind on rent. Belinda reached au-to the local welfare office for help, but lacking proof of sufficient income to maintain the apartmer, moving forward, she was denied the arrears assistance she needed. A friend at a local church urae her to contact The Bridge Fund of Westchester. Then, with help from The Bridge Fund’s Income Growth Initiative, Belinda enhanced her resume an job search skills and soon secured full-time employment in the pharmaceutical field. Her job allo \·e her to work remotely, which proved vital after her mother’s diagnosis of early-onset dementia, following several minor strokes.
The Bridge Fund was able to intervene quickly when the landlord initiated a court action. They too-care of Belinda’s outstanding rent and provided her a modest rent subsidy. This gave her the time and space to concentrate on her studies and finish her degree. “The Bridge Fund is such ables ing. They’re lifesavers,” she says today. Thanks to their support, Belinda graduated with honors. Then, with help from The Bridge Fund’s Income Growth Initiative, Belinda enhanced her resume an job search skills and soon secured full-time employment in the pharmaceutical field.
Recently, she was hired by a major pharmacy chain and in short order-with her evident enthusiasm and skills-received a promotion. “Thanks to The Bridge Fund’s support and God’s grace, my promotion to pharmacy technician was just confirmed!” she jubilantly shared. “I owe it to The Bridge Fund. They made this all possible,” she says as she beams proudly at her mother. who currently shares the apartment with her. The hard work paid off!