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Ms. Banks is a single mother who dreamed of going back to school. Ms. Banks wanted to earn a certificate or degree that would have higher earning potential allowing her to support her family. Unfortunately, based on her life circumstances, there were no centers open to her child.

Enter Lameyci Ledbetter, Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Family Support Specialist. Lameyci advised her that she could enroll her child in the BPN Children’s Academy and after working with her was able to determine she qualified for our Two-Gen program.

While working with Lameyci, Ms. Banks received assistance in areas such as employment search, resume building as well as social/emotional supports when family stress made her day-to-day a challenge.

 This opportunity made a significant difference in the life of Ms. Banks. Knowing that she and her child would have access to our programming, she was able to enroll in the LPN program at BOCES which allowed her to obtain the certificate she needed to get ahead. She is now employed at Catholic Charities as an LPN – her dream is now a reality!

“I could never have gone back to school without the support of the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Two-Gen program. I am so appreciative to have received a scholarship for my child and the services I was provided.”

Ms. Collins is a single mother of two who was struggling on multiple fronts. With the help of Buffalo Promise Neighborhood and our Family Support Specialist, Lameyci Ledbetter, she was provided with assistance enrolling her children at our Early Education Center.

When Ms. Collins originally came to us looking for help, she was displaced and living with friends. Lameyci was able to help her obtain safe and affordable housing.

Additionally, Ms. Collins had no job history and wasn’t sure what type of work she qualified for based on her skills. With the help of Lameyci, she was able to determine what worked best and ultimately found suitable part-time employment in close proximity to her children’s school and her new home.

“I was homeless and needed help to restart my life. My children had attendance issues because I was living with a friend that was not near the center. Ms. Ledbetter helped me find an apartment near the center and helped me fill out job applications allowing me to find a job near home. The support I got from Ms. Ledbetter was amazing and I know I would not get that kind of help from any other center.”