When Darrisha joined United Way of Greater Knoxville’s East Tennessee Collaborative (ETC) program in October 2023, she was ready to take charge of her future. Financial instability, mental health challenges, and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty weighed heavily on her shoulders. Determined to create a better life for herself and her two young boys, she sought support to achieve her goals.
“I was struggling mentally and financially,” Darrisha shared. “I needed someone to hold me accountable, help me get back on track, and guide me toward building a better future for my children.”
From the start, Darrisha’s ETC mentor, India Brabson, provided unwavering support and kindness. Together, they worked on setting specific, attainable goals with realistic timelines—a crucial step that helped Darrisha make positive changes. “I’ve always known how to set goals, but they were never specific enough,” she said. “India helped me understand how to break them down into manageable steps and celebrate the wins along the way.”
One of Darrisha’s biggest challenges was her career. As a CNA turned transportation worker, she found the long hours and physical demands unsustainable. She also struggled to find time for her family. With encouragement and resources from ETC, Darrisha pursued her interest in healthcare by enrolling in dental assistant school.
Darrisha graduated in May 2024 without accruing any additional student loan debt, and she landed a job as a Registered Dental Assistant. The new role brought a significant pay increase, a 9-to-5 schedule, and weekends off. With her higher income, she’s been able to make progress on her financial goals, including paying off debt and building savings. “I’ve been living like I didn’t get a raise,” she said. “I’m using the extra money to tackle my debt, one payment at a time. It’s so exciting to see progress.”
Through her work with ETC and our partner, Operation Hope, Darrisha has developed a detailed financial plan. She’s learning how to budget effectively, prioritize debt payments, and build her credit. Her ultimate goal is becoming a homeowner, and she’s taking steady steps to achieve it. “Once I pay off my debt, I’ll start saving for a house,” she shared. “ETC has given me the tools and resources to make that dream a reality.”
Beyond financial stability, the program has also helped Darrisha find the courage to ask for help from her family and community—something she had previously struggled to do. “Mental health is so overlooked,” she said. “Having a mentor to guide me and hold me accountable has been life changing. I feel like I’m finally thriving.”
Today, Darrisha is proud of how far she’s come. She’s not only transformed her career and financial situation but also gained a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. “ETC gave me the structure and motivation I needed to succeed,” she said. “I’m excited to keep building on this momentum and creating a better future for my boys.”
Click here to give today and support more families like Darrisha’s on their journey to self-sufficiency.
