Sharon's Pathway to Homeownership
Published: April 9, 2025
Program: Pathway to Homeownership
Coming to America was a dream come true for Sharon, but the reality of building a new life was far from easy. For six long months, she struggled to find a job, unable to afford even the basic necessities to get herself on the right path. With no stable income, every day felt like a battle, but she refused to give up.
Eventually, Sharon landed a job at Walmart, and within nine months, she secured a full-time position. While this was a step in the right direction, it was far from enough to support herself and her two children. Rent, food, and daily expenses added up quickly, and she knew she had to find a way to earn more. She took on a second job at Costco, working tirelessly—days at Costco, nights at Walmart—doing everything in her power to provide for her family.
Not having reliable transportation made things even harder. The cost of getting to and from work drained her paycheck, leaving her exhausted and frustrated. There were nights she cried herself to sleep, wondering if things would ever get better. But deep down, she held onto faith. She believed that with time, things would change.
Then, everything shifted when she was introduced to United Way of Frederick County. That connection became the turning point in her journey. She enrolled in several programs, starting with Getting Ahead, a course designed to help individuals understand poverty, set goals, and take meaningful steps toward success.
Getting Ahead was an eye-opening experience for Sharon. It taught her how to set goals, break them down into achievable steps, and take advantage of the resources available. She learned how to navigate different cultures, address daily challenges, and most importantly, she realized that growth comes from accepting mistakes and learning from them.
In her Getting Ahead group, Sharon found more than just knowledge—she found a community. They laughed together, cried together, and lifted each other up when times were tough. Inspired by the program, she made a list of her dreams and started working toward them one by one.
One of her biggest dreams was to own a home, but as a single mother, it felt out of reach. That’s when she discovered United Way’s Pathway to Homeownership program. Through financial coaching, resources, and guidance, she learned how to improve her credit, save for a down payment, and navigate the home-buying process. With determination and support, she achieved what once seemed impossible—she became a homeowner!
"This house is more than just four walls—it's proof that hard work and perseverance pay off. It’s a place where my children can grow, where we can build a future. I never imagined this would be possible, but United Way and Pathway to Homeownership helped make my dream come true."
Her biggest takeaway? "Never lose hope. There is always a way forward. If you fall, rise up and try again."
