Paula’s Story

When Paula first connected with Love Your Neighbor, she was struggling with her work and financial situation. She sought help through Pine Rest, who eventually referred her to the Love Your Neighbor Life Skills Program.

The first few weeks were challenging. Paula struggled with the program schedule, communication barriers related to her deafness, and frustration with the financial coursework. She wrestled with feelings of guilt and wondered whether she even deserved the opportunity to participate. “I felt like, well, I don’t deserve this, because I’m the one that put myself in debt,” Paula said. At one point, she even told one of her teachers that she wasn’t coming back.

But she stayed.

Through consistent encouragement, prayer, and a strong relationship with her peer support, Cindy, Paula began to believe that change was possible. She was determined to eliminate her debt, and she worked hard to develop greater discipline and break unhealthy financial habits. But her journey through the program became about much more than money.

Through ALPHA and other classes offered through the program, Paula experienced significant spiritual growth. Cindy walked alongside her through prayer, practical guidance, and encouragement. The relationships Paula developed became a central part of her transformation. “It opened my eyes about Jesus and God and what the program was about. And I was like, this is where I need to be,” Paula said.

During this time, Paula’s husband underwent multiple surgeries that left him unable to work. At 56 years old, Paula made the difficult decision to take a second job to help keep their family on track with their goals.

She kept pushing forward.

Because of her sacrifice, determination, and discipline, Paula began to see tangible results. She reduced her debt, began saving, resumed contributing to retirement, planned vacations, and invested in improvements to her home. But perhaps the greatest changes were less tangible. Her attitude shifted. Her faith grew. And she began to see her future with a renewed sense of hope. Cindy saw the difference week by week as Paula moved from discouragement and uncertainty toward confidence and excitement about what was possible.

When Paula graduated from the Life Skills Program, she had not only made significant changes in her own life, she had also made a lasting impact on Cindy and the other participants around her. The relationships she built during the program continue today. Paula remains connected to people in the program and maintains a strong friendship with Cindy.

Looking back, Paula is grateful for the amount of support she was met with, “I felt supported instead of feeling guilty,” she said.

Her encouragement to others is simple: “Sign up for the program and find out what it’s all about.”

To learn more about the Life Skills Program click here