Elena

32 years old

Burmese woman
Single mother of two

About Elena

Elena, a 32-year-old single mother of two, works part-time as a school aide while pursuing a certification in medical coding through the Center for Working Families (CWF) program. Despite her hard work, her current income isn’t enough to cover rent, childcare, and other expenses.

The pantry helps her stretch her budget by providing essential groceries. Elena is highly motivated to improve her family’s quality of life. She utilizes financial coaching to manage her expenses and plan for long-term goals, such as buying a home. She also benefits from job training partnerships facilitated by Southeast, which offer her a pathway to higher-paying and stable employment. Time is Elena’s greatest challenge. She balances part-time work, classes, and childcare, leaving little room for rest.

On busy days, she relies on the pantry’s flexible pickup system and appreciates its welcoming, judgment-free environment. Elena’s aspirations are driven by her children—she dreams of providing them with a stable home and the opportunity to succeed in school and beyond. Her progress is steady, but unexpected challenges, like an illness or a car repair, often strain her finances.

resources

For individuals like Elena, a single mother juggling work, childcare, and career development, the resource map focuses on economic self-sufficiency and family stability. The Southeast Food Pantry supports Elena with consistent access to nutritious food, while the Center for Working Families (CWF) provides tailored financial coaching and employment services like resume support and interview preparation. Elena also benefits from job training partnerships, which offer certifications in fields like medical coding, enabling her to pursue higher-paying employment.

Flexible pantry pickup options and transportation assistance—such as bus passes or car repair help—make it easier for her to manage her busy schedule. Programs offering affordable childcare and afterschool activities are critical to supporting Elena’s family while she works and studies. Despite time constraints and financial strain, these resources empower Elena to work toward a stable future for herself and her children.