ALICE® stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — a large population of hardworking residents who work at low-paying jobs, have little or no savings and are one emergency away from falling into poverty.
Sonja never thought she’d be struggling to meet her basic needs. When Covid hit, her entire life was uprooted. She lost her job, her apartment, her new car, and her sense of self. After living in Gastonia her entire life, she and her twelve year old daughter moved to Wilkesboro to live with her mother.
Sonja first became involved with United Way of Wilkes County through Wilkes Circles of Care during Covid.
She had slipped and injured her ankle and knees, forcing her to take time of work. Though because she missed "too much work" according to her employer, they let her go, even though she was in understanding that she would not be penalized for taking time off of work to heal. At the time, she didn’t think she qualified for help, until she spoke to someone in Human Resources who was able to help her apply for Workman’s Compensation. Though after her accident, she struggled to find a new job, eventually leading to her being out of work for five years.
Because she could no longer afford her living situation, this is the time in which she moved her daughter and herself into her mother's home in Wilkesboro. There, she learned about a program called Wilkes Circles of Care, an agency supported by United Way of Wilkes County. She started participating in the 12-week program that aimed to teach her economic and professional skills that would allow her to get back on her feet. The program taught her budgeting and interviewing skills, helping her increase her chances of getting another job, of which she finally landed.
Sonja is now pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She credits Wilkes Circles of Care with helping
her get to where she is now. Sonja is now considering becoming an ally -- a graduate of Wilkes Circle of Care who helps coach the new groups of people who enroll for support.
Sonja’s story shows the difference financial empowerment and community support can have on someone’s life. Thanks to United Way of Wilkes County, Sonja now has the tools necessary to rebuild her and her daughter’s lives. Without these resources, she may have continued to struggle to make ends meet, but now she can look towards the future with a newfound sense of optimism.
To learn more about ALICE and to read the ALICE report, visit https://www.unitedwaync.org/alice-north-carolina