Graduate

Stacy Elmore is a keeper. She is keeping a journal; keeping custody of Alisa, her 4-year-old daughter; keeping house. Above all, Stacy Elmore is keeping the faith.

It's not been easy.

Little more than two years ago, Elmore and her then infant daughter were homeless and living at the Family Crisis Center in Knoxville. New to the area and with no family to assist her, Elmore was faced with caring for her child, finding work and fighting to retain custody of Alisa.

The Elmores were referred by a shelter case worker to Elizabeth's Homes, the Knoxville area transitional housing program. Elizabeth's Homes is one of three such programs operated by CCETN. Known as The Appalachian Family Transitional Housing Program in northeast Tennessee and Pathways Housing Services in Roane County, the program offers financial and case management support to families transitioning out of homelessness.

Catholic Charities covers rent, provides limited assistance with other household expenses, oversees a savings plan and facilitates budget management and other life-skills training. To qualify for this assistance, the head(s) of household for the family must either be employed, actively seeking employment or in job-related training. Families who comply with all program requirements may receive assistance for up to two years.

The Elmores are distinctive in that they are the first family to "graduate" from the full two-year program in the Knoxville area. Until now, Knox County participants have either received outside assistance that allowed them to leave the program early or were terminated because of non-compliance.

For Elmore, compliance was a "no-brainer."

"Showing up once a week [for case management meetings] and saving receipts is nothing compared to making a better life for yourself and your family," Elmore said. She added, "If you ever get a chance to be in the program, don't miss it … and finish it!"

Elmore found a strong ally in Angela Petty, program manager for Elizabeth's Homes, who has no regrets about being a champion for Elmore. "Stacy overcame a lot of adversity," Petty said. "She had people in her life who were actively trying to sabotage her efforts, but Stacy could see the big picture. She was aggressive in paying off her debts and worked hard to follow all the rules."

While fighting her ex-husband's family for custody of her daughter, Elmore landed a retail sales job and, less than a year later, is now the store's manager. She credits all of her success with "doing your homework and showing up." Petty hopes that Elmore will serve as a mentor to new families entering the program.

Recently, Catholic Charities honored Elmore with a small "graduation" party at administrative offices in Knoxville. Immediately on meeting Elmore, one can sense her determination and resolve. An attractive young woman, Elmore's long brown hair frames eyes that reflect intelligence, independence and integrity. It was during her graduation festivities that an uncharacteristically emotional Elmore shared with staff her special project of the past few years - keeping a journal to share with Alisa when she is older. In those pages Alisa will read of both her past and her future - a future made possible through one mother's determination, independence and unconditional love.

Keeping a home; keeping her daughter close and safe; always, always keeping the faith. That Stacy Elmore … she's a keeper.

To learn more about Catholic Charities' transitional housing programs in Jonesborough, Knox or Roane counties, contact us at 865-524-9896 or info@ccetn.org.