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6.01.2025

Program Spotlight: Elevating Families – Parent Success Story

Elevating Families, a program of Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada, helps families by providing coaching and mentorship to improve financial stability. Participants are paired with a coach who works alongside them to achieve goals they set together, meeting the families’ individual needs. 

Read below to learn more about how Elevating Families is helping a local family in Reno achieve their goals!

When M., a dedicated mother of three, first joined the Elevating Families program in June 2024, she wasn’t entirely sure what direction to take. Her initial focus was simply to find transportation and bring income into her household. But as she began working through the Bridge to Self-Sufficiency®, her perspective started to shift. 

For the first time in a long time, M. saw the possibilities ahead of her—not just as a parent, but as a woman determined to build a better life.

In the beginning, M. had no savings and wasn’t focused on a particular goal. But through goal setting, encouragement, and the power of self-reflection, she began to find clarity. She decided to work on improving her credit, with the long-term dream of one day owning a home. 

As she made progress in her financial goals, something even more profound started to happen—she began focusing on herself.

This intentional investment in self-care led to a noticeable boost in M.’s confidence and sense of independence. With new energy and drive, she returned to work through DoorDash, steadily increasing her hours. She also began building her savings—starting from nothing and now proudly sitting on $150 tucked away for the future.

But one of M.'s proudest moments came when she stopped by to show off her new car—her very first, titled fully in her name. Her joy and sense of accomplishment were palpable. It wasn’t just about the vehicle; it was about everything it represented: hard work, independence, and a future she’s building for herself and her children.

M. continues to move forward, setting new goals and growing in every area of her life. Her story is a powerful reminder that even when the path isn’t clear at first, with support, determination, and self-belief, transformation is always possible.

Learn More:

Qualified adult applicants must be residents of Washoe County, under the age of 55 with at least one child who is 13 years of age or younger. Applicants can be married or single. 

Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the website to learn more and start a one-time application process. Recruitment for the program will be ongoing and is open to 300 English and Spanish speaking families. 

Parent participants start their journey interacting with the EMPath Bridge to Self-Sufficiency and work with their certified mentor to plan, reach, and sustain their personal goals in five essential areas: family stability, well-being, education and training, financial management, and employment and career management. 

To learn more about Elevating Families, please visit the website at https://elevatingnevadafamilies.org/ or call 775-453-3134.