As part of the Whole Family/2 Gen Pilot Project in Virginia, New River Community Action (NRCA) has already seen a positive impact on families as part of the approach. One of their most recent success stories is Ben and Leah Riddle and their three boys who came to NRCA with several obstacles to overcome.
At the time the family enrolled in the approach, they were living in a home with Ben’s parents and brother, primarily paid for my Ben and Leah. Leah was struggling with severe depression at the time as well. At their first meeting, Leah and her coach created a budget for the family and discovered they were overspending at least $400 a month on a variety of items, especially groceries.
“This moment was pivotal for Leah,” says Caroline Terry, their Whole Family Coach. “It lit a fire in her that was amazing to see!” She continues, “Within a week, she had implemented meal planning and cut down their food budget from $60 per day to $60 per week!” Within a month, her Caroline had found her a job as a housekeeper, a field for which she was familiar and comfortable. “Leah took the initiative to find a babysitter near her home when family members refused to help with bills or childcare and were actively discouraging her from working,” says Caroline. “Leah is amazing and has already been promoted at her job in just three months.”
Caroline adds, “She and Ben have worked so hard and have completely turned around their financial situation. They have been able to get all their bills current and have made a significant dent in accrued debt with a plan to have it paid off by the end of the year!” The Riddles are continuing to work and learn but they have already come so far in such short period of time. “I know I am biased,” says Caroline, “but I am very proud of them!”
At the time the family enrolled in the approach, they were living in a home with Ben’s parents and brother, primarily paid for my Ben and Leah. Leah was struggling with severe depression at the time as well. At their first meeting, Leah and her coach created a budget for the family and discovered they were overspending at least $400 a month on a variety of items, especially groceries.
“This moment was pivotal for Leah,” says Caroline Terry, their Whole Family Coach. “It lit a fire in her that was amazing to see!” She continues, “Within a week, she had implemented meal planning and cut down their food budget from $60 per day to $60 per week!” Within a month, her Caroline had found her a job as a housekeeper, a field for which she was familiar and comfortable. “Leah took the initiative to find a babysitter near her home when family members refused to help with bills or childcare and were actively discouraging her from working,” says Caroline. “Leah is amazing and has already been promoted at her job in just three months.”
Caroline adds, “She and Ben have worked so hard and have completely turned around their financial situation. They have been able to get all their bills current and have made a significant dent in accrued debt with a plan to have it paid off by the end of the year!” The Riddles are continuing to work and learn but they have already come so far in such short period of time. “I know I am biased,” says Caroline, “but I am very proud of them!”