Erica’s story is one of resilience, determination, and hope. At just 21 years old, she found herself in a challenging situation, living with her one-year-old son on her uncle’s couch in a cramped one-bedroom apartment. Many nights, after long hours at work, Erica would sit in a nearby park with her son until 11 PM, trying to stay out of her uncle’s way and avoid feeling like a burden. This was far from the life she envisioned when she moved from Oklahoma City to escape an unstable family environment.

“I felt like I was intruding in my uncle’s space,” Erica recalls. “I wanted to give my son a better life, but I didn’t know how to start.”

Determined to create a better future for herself and her son, Erica enrolled in a CNA course at Tulsa Tech. It was during this time that she noticed advertisements for an LPN course on campus. Intrigued and hopeful, she sought more information about the program. Simultaneously, her days began at 4 AM, ensuring she and her son were at the hospital by 6:30 AM. After a full day of work, she would pick him up from daycare and head back to the park until late at night.

One particularly difficult evening, overwhelmed by her circumstances, Erica called 211 in desperation. They directed her to Catholic Charities, where she quickly filled out an online application for transitional living at St. Elizabeth Lodge for working mothers with children. That same month, she also applied for the LPN program at Tulsa Tech and started to feel hope. 

Shortly after, Erica received the news that she was accepted into both Catholic Charities and the LPN program. At Saint Elizabeth Lodge, residents must work a minimum of 20 hours a week while enrolled in their programs. Erica was initially unsure how she would manage work, school, homework, and caring for her son. However, the program director recognized her potential and gave her a chance to pursue her education and improve her life.

“I was given a chance to further my education and provide a better life for my son and me,” Erica said. “I was determined to make it work.”

Through a partnership with DHS called Project TIRE, Erica received support that eliminated many of her barriers, including daycare, gas expenses, uniforms, school supplies, and certification costs.

“Project TIRE took away so many of my worries,” Erica said. “They provided everything I needed to focus on my studies and my son.”

Reflecting on her journey, Erica recalled the uncertainty she felt when she had her baby, likening herself to a 17-year-old unsure of how to care for a child. The benefits of Saint Elizabeth Lodge went beyond material support. Weekly family enlightenment sessions taught Erica how to engage with her son educationally and emotionally. Growing up without strong family guidance, Erica found these lessons invaluable in breaking cycles of behavior she hadn’t realized she was repeating.

“I learned so much about how to be a better mother and a better person,” Erica said. “The support from Saint Elizabeth Lodge was life-changing.”

Living in a community that offered prayer, support, and a sense of belonging was transformative for Erica. She felt pieces of herself unlock through group classes, enabling her to address deep-seated issues. This support network was instrumental in her journey, helping her give her all to every challenge she faced.

“It was definitely a journey, and I gave it all I got,” Erica said. “For the first time, I felt like I had a community praying for me and checking on me.”

Erica’s faith, instilled by her great-grandparents, played a significant role in her perseverance. She recalled their advice to pray and ask God for help in times of need, a lesson that resonated deeply in her twenties when she first truly heard God’s voice.

“My great-grandparents taught me to pray when I needed help,” Erica said. “It wasn’t until my twenties that I realized they were right. The first time I heard God’s voice, it blew my mind.”

Erica graduated from the LPN program at Tulsa Tech with honors and passed her NCLEX exam. She is currently working at the David L. Moss Center where she responds to emergencies and sick calls from inmates, assists with inmate detoxing from drug use, and provides wound care. Her ultimate goal is to become a clinical liaison, leveraging her journey to inspire and support others.

Reflecting on her experience, Erica is committed to giving back. She plans to volunteer with her son, instilling in him the values of service and gratitude. Catholic Charities not only provided her with a chance but also inspired her to ensure her son understands the importance of perseverance and community support.

“I want my son to know that Catholic Charities is the reason I have a chance,” Erica said. “I don’t ever want to hear him say he can’t do it because now I can tell him, ‘Yes, you can and you will.’ I wanted to give my son a chance, and Catholic Charities was the perfect example that helped me do that.”