In February 2015, Tonya was evicted from her Section 8 housing and became homeless. A single mother of four, Tonya had dropped out of high school in the 11th grade and struggled with addiction, depression, and abuse. She had lived in Section 8 housing for 13 years, and couldn’t keep a job. Although she was now homeless, Tonya realized that being evicted was the best thing that could have happened for her and her family. It was through this life event, that Tonya began to look closely at her life. “I had been stuck in this place of poverty and despair for all of my adult life. I began to see things that I totally disliked about my life,” she says. “It was time for a change.”
Tonya began to deal with the issues that had been plaguing her for so many years. Even without a paying job, Tonya began volunteering at a Women’s Shelter and developed meaningful relationships with the residents and staff. They informed her of Maryland New Directions’ MTDL program and the name intrigued her. She decided to sign up for the program and was accepted in June 2015.
At MND, Tonya learned about careers at the Port and also about how to deal with the barriers to employment that had been confining her to a cycle of joblessness. “MND helped me see the greater in me,” Tonya says. She learned about her soft skills and transferable skills and got assistance editing and perfecting her resume. A month after graduating the program, Tonya landed a job with an employer partner in the logistics industry.
In July however, Tonya’s experience with homelessness became overwhelming and it became difficult for her to focus on her work. “My boss said, ‘I see so much potential in you,’” Tonya says, “‘I don’t want to fire you.’” Tonya’s employer came together with MND Program Director, Clair Watson to give Tonya the support she needed to get back on her feet. Just last week, Tonya went back to work and her boss welcomed her. She is doing well at her job and just recently qualified for an apartment and will move in at the end of October. “This isn’t just a program,” Tonya says. “They help you from beginning to end. I am a product of the investment and I have not given up. Not only do I have a job, I have a career. I am leaving a legacy for my children.” Tonya recently wrote a story about her life that was published in the Word on the Street Newspaper. She is hoping to inspire others in her previous situation, who need hope and encouragement.