Charmaine’s Story
In 2016, COTS helped Charmaine move into permanent housing with her two daughters and she had plans to make a better future for herself and her family. For the last 8 years, Charmaine has done just that. She has remained housed and employed, accrediting COTS with getting her back on her feet.
“They helped me, like, [they] gave me all the tools that I needed out in the real world to, like, get a good job. They helped me with my resume and just like life skills.”
While she was loving her life, she decided that it was time for a change. After having roommates all her life, Charmaine moved into her first solo apartment with her youngest daughter, their dog, and foster kittens. Her older daughter, a recent high school graduate, has moved out and supports herself by creating beautiful, professional nails while she prepares for her cosmetology license.
In September, Charmaine was also able to change her profession to something she was more passionate about. She now works with developmentally disabled adults and finds the work rewarding. Saying, “I absolutely love it. Like the best job I’ve ever, ever had.”
Raising her daughters to have big ambitions and strong work ethics, Charmaine has not stopped setting goals for herself either. She hopes to become a supervisor within the next year and, depending on the housing market, Charmaine also hopes to buy a house in the not-so-distant future.
At COTS, your support helps change the lives of clients, just like Charmaine. Thank you for making our work possible.