Megan is a dedicated single mom of three. She works hard to build a stable life for her family. For seven years, she’s served in the medical field as a Medical Billing Specialist, handling claims and assisting with patient care. Megan knew that becoming a certified biller would open doors for career growth and stability, but the certification cost was out of reach. When a friend introduced Megan to the East Tennessee Collaborative (ETC) program, she quickly applied and started on her path to self-sufficiency.

ETC helps hard working parents like Megan find stability and a brighter future. With ETC’s support, Megan was able to cover the cost of the certification test and materials. “I went through school, but the test costs a lot of money. I wasn’t able to take the last step to become a certified biller. ETC made it possible.” Megan passed the test and is now a certified biller. She received a raise for her certification that opened up more possibilities in her life.

After reaching this milestone, Megan continued working with her ETC mentor to pursue more goals for herself and her family. When water damage forced Megan and her children out of their apartment, her mentor provided guidance and support. ETC arranged temporary housing and helped Megan navigate the complicated home-buying process.

In June 2024, Megan achieved a lifelong dream; she became a first-time homeowner. In her new home, each of her children has their own bedroom, giving them privacy and a space to make their own.

“I’ve always wanted to own a home, but I never thought it would be possible,” Megan said. “The cost of housing has gone up so much, but ETC helped me make it happen.”

With her new home as a foundation, Megan is focused on saving for updates to make her house truly her own.

“My life has changed so much for the better since joining ETC,” Megan reflected. “I’m really thankful for their support. There’s no way I could have done this on my own. If they hadn’t helped me, I don’t know where I would be right now.”

Megan’s story is one of resilience and hope. With ETC by her side, she is transforming her life and building a future filled with possibility for herself and her children.

Click here to give today and support more families like Megan’s on their journey to self-sufficiency.