Erika’s journey with the East Tennessee Collaborative (ETC) program began during a challenging chapter of her life. A single mother of two, including a daughter on the autism spectrum, Erika faced struggles that felt overwhelming at times. When she moved back to Knoxville from Nashville, she was living with her mother, working a low-paying job, and trying to find stability for her family.
She first heard about ETC through the Boys and Girls Club. At the time, Erika was hesitant—unsure if the program was the right fit for her or if it could truly make a difference. After meeting with an ETC Mobility Mentor, Erika decided to give it a try, hoping it might help her organize her goals and find a clearer path forward.
Through her work with ETC, Erika started to see tangible changes. She set clear goals: finding stable housing, securing a better job, and building her savings. With her mentor’s support, she tackled everything one step at a time. ETC helped her navigate housing resources, provided support for her family’s needs, and offered career guidance.
One of the pivotal moments for Erika was gaining the confidence to attend career fairs and apply for new opportunities. With a stronger resume and newfound determination, she landed multiple job offers, eventually accepting a position as a payroll specialist—a significant step up from her previous role.
Erika also worked on personal goals, like improving communication with her mother and becoming more active with her children. These relational milestones were just as meaningful as her financial and professional achievements.
Today, Erika is proud of the progress she’s made. She has savings in the bank, dependable transportation, and a job that provides her with stability and growth opportunities. Beyond the tangible milestones, she feels more confident and optimistic about the future.
Looking back, Erika credits ETC not just with helping her achieve her goals but also with providing the encouragement and accountability she needed to stay on track. “My mentor helped me see what was possible and reminded me that it’s okay to ask for help,” Erika shared. “This program gave me the structure and support I needed to make real progress and become the best version of myself.”
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