Dametra

Success Story

“I was trying to support myself and my daughter Yvonne on $10 an hour. We ended up moving into a homeless shelter. I kept on working full-time until I could afford to rent again, but we were still living in dangerous areas. I knew education was the key to a better future. I managed to put myself through college, and Yvonne got a full scholarship at a private high school. We both saved together with EARN for the extra tutoring Yvonne needed. Now she’s bringing home A’s, and I am starting my own small business with the help of EARN’s financial coaching.”

That was 2010, when Dametra and her daughter Yvonne were honored at EARN's annual Asset Awards luncheon. Today, Dametra not only has started her business, but is employing 11 people! Her business, called It Takes a Village Supportive Living Services, provides in-home care for the elderly and disabled. Yvonne has been keeping busy, too. Despite having a busy senior year, Yvonne found time to apply to 22 colleges and universities, and was offered admission to almost all of them. Her final choice? Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, the sister school to Dartmouth. Oh, and she'll be attending on a full scholarship, no less! It's been quite a journey for Yvonne and Dametra, and it isn't over yet.

More about Dametra:

Photo album
Video: Dametra cuts up her credit cards
Video: Dametra's exciting year
Video: Yvonne's college plans
Video: Dametra's message to Julia

Dametra

Dametra

Success Story

Other Education Success Stories