The Courage to Change: Jessica’s Story

Three years ago, Jessica hit rock bottom. Her husband’s addiction and abuse left her and her children with nothing. After being abandoned at the hospital following the birth of her third child, Jessica made the courageous decision to leave. With nothing but three suitcases and her children, she walked out and found a shelter, determined to change her life.

Then came Live & Learn. With the encouragement of her Client Coordinator, Jessica renewed her Certified Nursing Assistant license, something she hadn’t felt strong enough to do on her own. She received support for her family’s immediate needs, and began to believe in herself again.

Today, Jessica is thriving. She works as a case manager in addiction recovery, is happily remarried, and is close to completing her bachelor’s degree in Counseling, with plans to pursue a master’s degree and continue her work supporting others in recovery.

“I’m not that weak and depressed person anymore. I think single moms are superheroes.”

For Jessica, Live & Learn’s greatest gift was hope—the belief that change was possible.

Determined to Graduate: MG’s Story

As a little girl, MG dreamed of becoming a doctor—the first in her family to earn a college degree. But her dream felt out of reach. Growing up in an abusive household, she was forced to help support her mother by cleaning houses, and the high cost of education was too high a barrier.

Years later, overwhelmed by postpartum depression after the birth of her first child, MG felt lost and alone. Then she found Live & Learn.

Her Client Coordinator helped her set achievable goals, manage her time, and discover opportunities she didn’t know existed—like becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. With Live & Learn’s support, she completed her CNA program and is preparing for the licensing exam.

“My dream of college and a medical career is becoming my reality.”

Now, MG is on track to attend community college in the fall, with her sights set on becoming a Registered Nurse. Most importantly, she’s gained independence and confidence.

“My life has completely changed,” MG reflects. “I am not dependent on anyone else, and I will be a role model for my daughters.”

When the Helper Needs Help: Leah’s Story

Leah has always been the one people turned to in hard times. As a teenager, her parents were sent to prison and she took on the role of protector for her younger sisters. She carried the weight of responsibility, often putting others’ needs before her own.

When her sisters no longer needed her care, Leah struggled to find her own direction. She dropped out of school, worked long hours, and searched for meaning. She enrolled in YearUp Arizona, a career training program, but knew she needed more support. That’s when she was referred to Live & Learn.

Through financial coaching, mental health services, and professional development workshops, Leah began to rebuild. With her Client Coordinator’s support, she graduated from YearUp, landed a job at American Express, and is planning her next steps in education and career growth.

“Live & Learn is there for me when I need someone to turn to, and I know I can count on them.”

For once, Leah is no longer the only one carrying the burden—she has a team by her side, helping her thrive.

A Community of Transformation

Jessica, MG, and Leah’s journeys are unique, but they share a common thread: with encouragement, resources, and community, women can rewrite their stories. Live & Learn exists to walk alongside women as they move from surviving to thriving—empowering them to build stable, independent, and fulfilling lives.