Alumna Spotlight: Stacey Mobley, Cohort 14

WANDA came into my life at a time when I was struggling to make ends meet and living paycheck to paycheck, with a depleted savings account. Alongside various health issues and numerous other challenges, I felt overwhelmed and on the verge of giving up. However, my children relied on me, so giving up was not an option. WANDA turned out to be the answer to my prayers. From the moment we delved into the program’s agenda, I knew it was precisely what I needed.

Each class offered timely guidance that resonated with my life situation. As I attended more classes, I started noticing positive changes in my circumstances. The budgeting information provided made perfect sense, and the suggestions from fellow moms were invaluable. Learning how to reduce expenses and involve my children in cutting back on certain things proved to be a tremendous help. We diligently adhered to a strict budget for about six weeks.

One fateful day, I went to work and was hit with the devastating news that our jobs would be ending in a few months. It was an unexpected blow that left me reeling. Remarkably, our very next class focused on finding higher-paying jobs—an incredibly timely topic. Subsequent classes covered resume writing and interview skills. WANDA served as a life coach throughout my journey, guiding me through each stage, holding my hand, and equipping me with the necessary skills as I faced new challenges.

One particular class stood out to me—the opportunity to connect with the instructor of the interviewing class, Mansi. She worked one-on-one with me, helping me to gain confidence for interviews and instilled in me a belief in the value I bring to a company. Her breathing techniques, which she taught during the session, actually worked wonders!

Navigating life as a single mom in this day and age is undoubtedly challenging. WANDA proved to be an invaluable tool, providing guidance and knowledge to make this journey a little easier. When I felt trapped and hopeless, WANDA helped me find a way out. My children even listened in on some of my Zoom classes and have now started saving money to contribute and secure a brighter future for themselves. Through this experience, I learned the importance of self-discipline and being kind to myself. I discovered that I was not alone in facing tough times and had the privilege of witnessing others who, just like me, turned their lives into triumphs while still embracing imperfections and making it work.

The inspiring and eye-opening stories of fellow WANDA moms have forever left an indelible mark on me. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of WANDA and the transformative impact it had on my life.

My smile is big in this picture because it was the first time in many years that I was able to take a family vacation with all my children and not have to worry about sacrificing a payment or a bill going unpaid.  This was all due to the skills I’ve obtained as being a part of WANDA. I learned to plan and save, and that is one of the best feelings in the world!