GRIT Videos
Success Stories
“I have the chance to make my own decisions... it is so much different than how it used to feel,” Says a GRIT recipient. They add that this “blessing” has kept them from needing a second job, has allowed them to leave an unsafe workspace, supported them in finding safe housing, keeps their car bills paid, and might even allow for a day at a theme park for them and their daughter.
“GRIT has helped me in ways I didn’t expect, and those payments helped me be able to afford the expensive tutoring that my 11 year old really needed. It’s changed my house for the better. And I’ve felt so much less month-to-month stress since this program started. It feels like I have some room to breathe. “ - GRIT recipient
“First, just being accepted into this program was awesome. To have that tiny bump to help combat debt/bills is terrific and terrifying. Terrific because I know that utility bill will be paid and my family will have power and water. I can breathe easier for a moment instead of worrying myself to death about money, working extra hours, and hours of lost sleep due to the mental/physical affects of not knowing how I will provide for my family.
"It was a huge leap to get past the guilt and shame of 'who am I to accept this?'... There is that assumption that you always have to be doing something to be deserving of receiving, and it's just strange because we are always doing something. We are." - GRIT recipient
Before GRIT, I was lacking basic household goods like laundry soap and hygiene products.”
“I always had to think of what bills I really needed to pay before going to purchase groceries. Now I am less stressed, I am able to go shopping without stressing about will I have enough?”
“I am feeling hopeful and excited about this opportunity (GRIT). I am thinking about how to use the money in ways that will benefit my family the most.”
Cars are essential for many to get to work. When they breakdown, families risk missed shifts or lost jobs. With GRIT, parents can afford repairs and fuel to keep their cars going without cutting basics.
Some participants shared improvements in mental health. “Having only one income is very overwhelming. I felt like I was drowning, just trying to keep my head above water. Since GRIT, I am able to stay above water and breathe.”
Financial stability helps decrease stress in the home. “My house is peaceful now.” “Not as many arguments in the household, less stress at home.” “I am less cranky being able to say more yes’s than no’s.”
More family time, even though more than half of GRIT participants reported working more now than they were before (all were part-time workers) – “I don’t need a second job, so I’ve been able to do more things with my kids.” “This program is helping mothers who work but don’t earn enough to give our kids treats from time to time. I can give my children more than the basics.” “I had the time and funds to put my son in football.”
Able to give back – “I am able to volunteer with more time.” I have time to attend community meetings to share my voice.” “I am able to give back and help those who aren’t as fortunate.”
Career & Education – “GRIT has helped me with deciding to go back to school.” “I now have time to invest in my leadership/business skills.” “I have been able to help my oldest son in college pay for books.”