For East Tennessee Collaborative (ETC) participant, Tobi, support is everything. “I think a lot of people don’t get to do the things they want to because they lack support,” she said. “Aside from money, I think that is the biggest barrier.”
Tobi had a plan: finish school, build a stable future for her three daughters and create something lasting for her family. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she wasn’t afraid of hard work. What she needed was support.
After years as a stay-at-home mom, Tobi was newly divorced and raising three young daughters on her own. She moved back to her hometown in Scott County, Tennessee, started working in registration at a local hospital and enrolled in a Respiratory Therapy program. Working full-time, commuting long hours each day for classes, and trying to hold everything together, Tobi was overwhelmed.
Her grades were slipping, her bills were piling up , and the stress was taking a toll on her mental health. Tobi recalled the hard decisions she was faced with: “It was either quit school, work two jobs, and never see my kids—or finish school so I could be present and provide for them long-term.”
That’s when a friend and colleague told her about ETC. Tobi reached out for help and was surprised and relieved to find the support she needed close to home. Living in one of the top nine counties in Tennessee facing economic hardship, the area has limited programs and opportunities to meet widespread needs and challenges. Having real help within reach made all the difference.
“In Scott County, the need is far greater than the amount of resources available,” Tobi explained. “I don’t want to live off the system. I want to build something for my kids. But during that process of building a better life, you need help along the way. ETC helped me get through the hardest season of my life. I’m so grateful for all they did for me.”
ETC connected Tobi with the extra help she needed. She was paired with a mentor from Catholic Charities East Tennessee for encouragement, support, and help accessing local resources. Tobi and her mentor formed a strong bond, and she credits much of her success to her ETC mentor. “This is really what allowed me to focus on school and make it through,” Tobi expressed .
With that pressure lifted, Tobi rounded a corner. Working closely with her mentor she has been able to set goals and achieve them. In less than a year with the program, Tobi has made remarkable progress toward self-sufficiency, achieving goals across every key area—from Family Stability and Well-Being to Financial Management and Education. Her grades have also drastically improved, and she made the Dean’s list and President’s list. She landed an internship at a local hospital, where she not only gained valuable experience but also formed strong bonds with coworkers and team members. She is finally building a network of support that helps her care for herself as well as her family. “Getting help, encouragement, and resources, it’s just amazing the difference it makes,” Tobi shared.
Now, just a few days before celebrating her graduation, she has two job offers at regional hospitals. She has been voted Top Respiratory Therapist by her peers, and she is looking forward to graduating and having a consistent schedule and more time with her daughters.
Her mentor’s guidance has given her a desire to give back to her community and help other women overcome hurdles. She is excited to continue helping others through her work as a respiratory therapist and in her life. She’s already setting new goals and thinking about how she can support others facing similar challenges.
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