LIFT Annual Report 2015: Creating A Better Way | Page 9
________
quality school for Mohammad.
“LIFT has been like a father, a mother, like parents for
me because they helped me get everything I needed,”
Ms. Diarra beams. “Before, I felt like I was alone. Since
finding LIFT, I know I’m not alone. We’re working
together to help me accomplish my dreams.”
Building a better future
When Ms. Diarra
first came to the
U.S., her future
was in limbo.
She had left an
abusive husband
in Mali to start life
anew with her son
Mohammad. This is
their story.
_________
Employed and with a safe home for herself and her
son, Ms. Diarra set her sights on going back to school.
Ms. Diarra’s ambition to pursue an advanced
degree dovetailed with the launch of a new LIFTDC partnership with Trinity University to provide
scholarships and support to women with young
children. Recognizing Ms. Diarra’s dedication to
building a better future for her family, we invited her
to apply for a scholarship and she was one of three
single mothers who won. In addition to the scholarship,
LIFT donors helped send Ms. Diarra back to school
with a new laptop and textbooks.
Today, she’s taking her future by storm. Ms. Diarra
has an A average and will be transitioning to the full
time program next spring. Ms. Diarra also spreads the
word about LIFT’s services and speaks at LIFT events
about our work to help families like hers escape the
cycle of poverty for good.
554%
LIFT Members in
Washington, D.C. have
achieved 54% more
education-related
successes last year. As
a result, more people are
working to secure their
future by getting a GED
or going to college!
Ms. Diarra continues to inspire us through her hard
work and resolve. When we asked her what keeps her
motivated she responded, “Because I want a better
future for me and Mohammad,” and LIFT will be there
every step of the way.
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