Sherilla

Sherilla Lestrade enrolled in the Compass Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, operated in partnership with Metro Housing|Boston, in 2014. Before the program, Sherilla says she was “living paycheck to paycheck and sometimes not even making ends meet.” She joined the program because she was looking to gain financial stability, to rebuild her credit, and to save money.

Sherilla says she immediately felt the support from her Compass financial coach, Ann. “Ann was just wonderful, so patient and accommodating. Ann saw me in the beginning at my worst and helped me build my own self confidence. She was willing to coach over the phone or video call and encouraged me to work hard towards my goals. Both of my coaches, Ann and later Viviana, helped me sort things out and even cry when I needed to. They helped me realize that even when we hit hard times it’s not the end of the world and there is an opportunity to climb out of the hole.”

Sherilla also found value in Compass’ financial education workshops, where she had the chance to connect with other people in the program. “It adds another level of appreciation when you see that you aren’t the only one in this situation,” she explains. “I could talk with other people and learn what they’re doing that I might not have thought of.”

Towards the middle of her time in the program, Sherilla took an interim withdrawal from her FSS escrow account to help her work toward a certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). For Sherilla, helping others is what fulfills her – becoming a CNA gave her the chance to help others and make a living at the same time.

Sherilla says that the program helped her “tap into my determination to get out of the hole and make me a better person and mother for my kids.” Sherilla has a 12-year-old son and 25-year-old daughter. As we chatted about her experience in the program, Sherilla turned to her son, Jeromiah, and asked him how he felt the program had impacted their family. He paused for a moment to think and then said, “our credit is better and now we’re not living off of one check after the other. Now we can do more things as a family!”

Looking ahead, Sherilla’s big goal is to one day own her own home. When asked for any final thoughts on the program, this is what she shared: “A lot of programs are set up to keep you stagnant and relying on the system. This program is set up to help you be okay on your own. This program makes you feel strong and supported – helps you to build your self-esteem, and gives you courage to do and be better.”