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After experiencing a childhood without
stability or support, Jolene F. of Littleton wants to provide plenty of
both for her own eight-year-old daughter.
The 28-year-old single mom is working hard to complete an associate’s
degree at Red Rocks Community College, apply for the U.S. Naval Reserves
and then enroll in a bachelor’s degree program in computer networking.
She works part-time as a certified home medical care provider and spends
as much time as possible with her daughter.
It’s no small task for someone who grew up with dysfunctional alcoholic
parents, attended a different elementary school every year and dropped
out after eighth grade. But Jolene is determined to move beyond her
troubled past. She looks forward to becoming the first college graduate
in her family and creating a positive future for herself and her
daughter.
“I’m a very determined person and I want to become a contributing member
of society,” she said. “From where I come from, this is the only way.”
Last spring, Jolene struggled to pay her home energy bill and came home
one evening to find her power shut off. She sought help from the Sara
Brown Memorial Fund, one of the partner agencies of Energy Outreach
Colorado, and received energy assistance to pay off her overdue bill.
Since then, she’s been able to keep up with her monthly payments.
“Without that help I probably would have folded under all the pressure,”
she said. “It meant so much to me.”
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