My name is Michelette and I am a Face of Federation

Surround yourself with support, whether it is in a program like this or somewhere else.  There is always someone willing to listen and to help you. No matter what situation you are going through, there is always someone there to help.

I had been living in a shelter before I came to Federation and I had been receiving services. But it wasn’t really enough. I didn’t understand what I was going through and I wasn’t dealing with my mental illness very well. I was going to therapy and was pregnant at the time. When I was able to secure housing and leave the shelter, I was overwhelmed with all the things I had to do. I was juggling being a young mom, with two small children to care for and maintaining a household on my own. It was a lot for me and I found myself slowly breaking down. I knew I needed to find another outlet that would help me; that would reinforce that I was doing a good job and that I could achieve the goals I had too.  Because I knew… the more I took care of myself and my needs, the better I would be at raising my children. Finding Federation’s PROS program has been a blessing. I’m not alone now because I have a good support network here. Now, I’m in school to become a social worker and I am working on learning to drive and get my license. I still have my moments where I don’t feel good about myself and I feel like I’m not doing enough. But now, in the back of my mind, I know I’m doing a pretty good damn job. When I met the people here at Federation, it just made me feel so much better about myself. Now I have the support of everyone here when I am at my best, and when I am not at my best and that has made all the difference.

My name is Joe and I am a Face of Federation

I learned at an early age the importance of money and spending wisely. I was raised by a single mother who was able to support us through the help of government safety net programs so I understand just how important these services can be and how managing your finances can be difficult and overwhelming for anyone. For the past 6 years, I’ve been the Program Manager of the Financial Management program. I oversee the Representative Payee Program, the Community Trust Program and the Veterans Fiduciary Program. All combined, our programs help with managing finances and entitlements, budgeting, and providing fiduciary services to over 550 individuals with disabilities or who are veterans.  For some, this can mean making sure rent is paid and they have a roof over their head, or are able to buy food and pay their bills. I’m so lucky because I get to come to work every day and help others get their lives on track by doing what I love which is managing money in smart ways.  This past November, I celebrated my 25th year working at Federation.  I get involved in as much as I can with the agency because I believe in what we do. I’m a member of the Safety Committee, the Incident Review Committee, and always volunteer to help out with fundraising and events. I am so proud of the work we do here and how our programs work collaboratively to help people rebuild their lives.