Jessica

Jessica, a 35-year-old single mother to her 9-year-old son, relocated from New York to Georgia in 2007 to be near family. After losing her father to Parkinson's disease in 2011, where she served as his primary caregiver, Jessica faced significant emotional challenges. Determined to move forward, she pursued a nursing degree at Mercer University. However, she faced difficulties in covering tuition costs while balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. Seeking support, a classmate recommended H.O.P.E. Inc.'s program, which provided the financial assistance and personal guidance necessary for Jessica to successfully complete her degree and launch her nursing career. 

 Jessica, a dedicated Patient Care Technician (PCT) Nurse Extern student at Northside Hospital, has faced significant personal and professional challenges while pursuing her nursing education. The prospect of returning to higher education was daunting, particularly as it required balancing full-time work with retaking failed courses. Upon acceptance into the nursing program, Jessica faced a new challenge: the program recommended limiting work to 24 hours per week to focus on studies, an option that was not feasible due to her need for employment benefits to support her family.  

When Jessica was accepted into Mercer University's nursing program, she quickly discovered that it was very difficult to keep up with the financial obligations and day-to-day responsibilities of managing a home. Tending to her mother and 9-year-old son's needs. She started to wonder if it was possible to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse without putting her children's dreams and aspirations on hold. Following a difficult separation from her husband, Jessica encountered the threat of eviction, adding immense pressure to her already demanding life as an essential healthcare worker. Although her mother lives with her due to age and health issues, she is unable to contribute much to the house bills. Despite these setbacks, she made the courageous decision to re-enroll in school, driven by the responsibility of providing for her mother and son. 

Then, Jessica's Classmate told her about H.O.P.E Inc. She applied for the program's financial assistance and was accepted as a participant. For her, she was accepted into the H.O.P.E. program during the time she needed it the most. 

"With prayer and determination, I was accepted in 2022. It has been a long road, but I am proud to say, "delayed but not denied." 

H.O.P.E. Inc. provided Jessica with $400 in rental assistance, as well as assisting her with $500 broken up quarterly for gas and $1250 quarterly as well for groceries. However, the support did not stop there. H.O.P.E. also offered additional resources, such as a personal financial coach, budgeting classes, counseling, and life coaching that helped Jessica prepare for life post-grad. "Throughout this journey, the HOPE Program has been a lifeline. With clinicals and classes demanding so much of my time," Jessica says. I had to reduce my work hours. I often worried about how I would keep up with bills or provide for my son." 

 H.O.P.E. also helped when it came to supporting Jessica's son. During holidays, they would provide gifts off his wish lists for Christmas.  On May 3rd, 2023, Jessica graduated from Mercer nursing school and is a first-generation college graduate. Earning her bachelor's in science in Nursing. "Beyond the material support, what has meant the most to me is how genuinely kind you all are. You check in, you encourage, and you've walked beside me every step of the way." – Jessica  

"Throughout this journey, the HOPE Program has been a lifeline. With clinicals and classes demanding so much of my time, I had to reduce my work hours. I often worried about how I would keep up with bills or provide for my son. HOPE lifted those burdens, ensuring we had food, shelter, and even school supplies for my child. I am proud to say that I am a first-generation college graduate, having earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Words will never fully capture the gratitude I feel. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believing in me." (Jessica, 2025 Graduate)