Hoffman Estates, Ill. (CBS) Inflation is taking a toll on us all, but high prices are especially hard on those who live paycheck to paycheck.
The Hoffman Estates nonprofit is working for a golf fundraiser to ease the burden of rising costs on single moms. Morning Insider Lauren Victory gives us a look at the grueling program that’s driving success.
Jessica Arreguin couldn’t help but smile at the bed she made without her son. She is happy to give the entire room to her 11-year-old son.
Her favorite part about being a homeowner is that the house is hers. She is very proud of how far she has come.
Arreguin previously lived in an apartment rented by him Fellowship HousingA non-profit based in Hoffman Estates that helps struggling single moms.
“When I first got on the program, I was rock bottom,” said Arregin as she was going through isolation at the time while dealing with health and financial issues.
“Even in the darkest moments of a mother’s life, a light is present,” says a Fellowship Housing promo youtube, The faith-based organization provides shelter, counseling and budgeting lessons to 32 moms in the suburbs.
“He really showed me how to really prioritize, how to manage, how to stand up for myself,” said Arregin, a nurse.
For him and others, it’s a fresh start but also tough, especially when it comes to finances. Rules are piled up.
“You have to tell them what you’re doing, when you’re done. Why are you spending extra?” Arregin explained.
Mothers’ decisions are dissected by case workers called family advocates. Entertainment, including fast food and movies, is priced at $30. Grocery receipts are analyzed and payments checked.
“We do it to not be aggressive. We do it to take advantage of every single penny,” Pam Orr said, explaining the harshness.
Orr is the executive director of Fellowship Housing and she doesn’t shy away from calling the program a “two-year bootcamp.”
“‘You’re going to try very hard. It’s going to be tough,'” Orr tells moms on Seven.
Many of them leave the other side with savings of thousands. About half is enough to buy a house. The word is getting around.
“For the first time, we have waiting lists,” said Orr, who attributes much of the need to inflation and stable wages.
The nonprofit cannot expand without help. Its charity golf tournament usually brings in a good portion but not enough.
Orr’s pitch to potential donors? “It is not a donation or a gift. It is an investment in life.”
It is also an investment in lessons that can be shared.
“If I want to spend it – money – I can. But I still withdraw and I don’t. And I’m teaching it to my son too,” Arregin said.
there are some spots left Charity Golf Tournament It is scheduled for this Thursday in Barrington.
Fellowship Housing also accepts new or gently used items for mothers in need. its Website An Amazon wish list is included.
