Reflections from members of the Compass community during COVID-19
News about the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic is everywhere. The national story focuses on the big numbers - but behind each number is a story that matters, too.
To help bring these stories to our life, we’re sharing reflections from members of the Compass community - clients, financial coaches and other front-line staff, and our supporters - as we support families to navigate the economic impacts of this pandemic.
Know What The Next Plan Is
Nanouce Saint Fort, a Compass client, with her older son
In early 2020, when I enrolled in the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program that Compass operates with Cambridge Housing Authority, I already knew my life was about to change in a big way: I was pregnant with my second child. Of course, more big changes were just around the corner, as they were for us all, when my baby boy, Lucas, and I returned home from the hospital.
While it was nice to have the time at home with my son, returning to work during a pandemic while caring for a new baby has been hectic. I learned at Compass to plan ahead and to know what the next plan is, and have applied that thinking to manage through this time.
When I first returned to my role as a Team Lead at a big box store, I had to push my employer to put me back on a full schedule. They wanted to reduce my hours, which would have jeopardized my position. I talked with my financial coach at Compass, who encouraged me to discuss the situation with my manager. I’ve learned that if you want something, you have to go after it. I can’t just sit down and accept what’s handed to me. Thankfully, my manager agreed to put me back at full time.
Over the last several months, while caring for a new baby and working full time, I've also made a lot of progress toward my financial goals. I've increased my credit score by over 120 points, by paying down debt and disputing errors on my credit report, and I've saved toward my goal of buying a home. Through Compass’ partnership with One Family, Inc., I've also been able to speak with a Career Coach about future career possibilities.
In a few weeks, my older son will start another year of high school in Cambridge – given how different the school year will be this year, it’s another challenge to add to our already hectic life these days. Everyone I know is in survival mode, panic mode, but my mindset is that I have to do what I have to do. A problem is in front of me, I have to figure out how to get around it. At the same time, I'm making sure to enjoy every little pleasure in life. Now more than ever, we all have to remember to take nothing for granted.