Bryan mother finds financial stability with help of MCH Family Outreach

Kerrianna worked with MCH Family Outreach to become financially stable
and recently received a vehicle thanks to a partnership with OnRamp. 

Kerrianna is a single mother of six children, ages 3-16, and was doing her best to make ends meet working as a substitute teacher. However, with limited financial means and transportation, she could only accept substitute jobs at schools close to her home. As a necessary solution, she accepted full-time employment at a local pizza chain near her apartment so she could walk her younger girls to child care before going to work.

Kerrianna learned about MCH Family Outreach in Bryan/College Station through a local childcare and educational program and hoped they could help her find a solution to her challenges. She began working with MCH case manager Susan Hays in February 2018 as part of the Family Solutions program.

Through the program, Hays was able to assist Kerrianna with identifying her goals and developing strategies to meet those goals. Kerrianna desired financial stability and also wanted to increase healthy experiences for her family. Hays provided her with support and encouragement through her journey and connected her with resources in the area to assist her in gaining financial stability.

“I think the program was very helpful,” Kerrianna said. “Since starting the program I have developed a ton of self-worth.”

Hays knew that a reliable vehicle would be a crucial part of Kerrianna’s goals. She nominated her to a local nonprofit called OnRamp that assists hardworking families in need with vehicles. She learned about the organization through friends and thought Kerrianna would be a great candidate for the opportunity.

Through this partnership, Kerrianna received a 2005 Dodge Caravan in June that is able to accommodate her six children. She is now searching for full-time employment at College Station ISD and will no longer have to worry about limiting her search to schools within walking distance. Kerrianna said she has also seen improvements in her relationships with her children.

“It has helped us become closer,” she said. “It’s given me the strength to listen to my kids more and we go and do a lot more now. I’m feeling happy and overjoyed that my family and I are closer and we can now travel more.”

Hays said she has enjoyed working with Kerrianna and is impressed by her ambition to do whatever it takes to support her family.

“Kerrianna has persevered through a lot of stress and hardship,” Hays said. “I don’t know many people who would walk their kids to child care and then walk to a job they don’t like every day in hopes of providing a better future for their children. She continues to move forward and do the ‘next right thing.’”