Perseverance + Priorities = Return to a self-sufficient life

That’s the edge that helped Elnora Taylor stay focused and positive about overcoming a series of barriers that left her jobless, homeless and with no family or friends to encourage her. Elnora’s story began when a relationship suddenly ended. Having left her home state, a domino effect of events forced Elnora to live in her car, without any income or the credentials to continue working in Horizon House, her field as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Watch Elnora's Story

When she came to a United Way agency, for assistance, Elnora and her coach put together a plan aimed at getting her back on her feet again and self-sufficient. First, she needed to get adult basic education prerequisites out of the way. Then, she needed to take the test to meet Indiana qualifications for work as a nurse’s aide. It had been many years since Elnora had been in a classroom. She also deals with a learning disorder that causes reading and writing problems.

Enter Logan, a college student, who volunteered to help Elnora study for the tests to improve her skills. The two met up to four times a week to prepare for the test and create an emotional bond that played a role just as important as the study skills.After two unsuccessful testing attempts, Elnora finally passed. “I pictured Logan in front of me while I was taking the test,” she explained, saying the trick gave her the confidence that made a difference.

Along the way, Elnora was able to receive long-term housing at The Salvation Army, also a United Way agency. Another part of her plan involved taking financial literacy classes.

Today, Elnora is working in the memory care area of a local nursing home where they rely on her to train new employees too. And, she is settled into a new apartment too.

Thanks to your gifts, thousands of people like Elnora, with no job and few prospects, are getting the help they need to take care of their most basic needs. Then, they are in a position to benefit from other community resources that help them become self sufficient. Thank you for being a part of the “ New U,” and a movement that is creating real and lasting change!

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Michele LIVES UNITED