Tiffany: A Working Mom Supporting Her Family

A chance to work, finally.

Since 2004, Tiffany Williams had been unsuccessful in finding steady employment. A single mother with limited work experience, she and her children were living in her sister’s apartment in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. When Put Illinois to Work came along, Tiffany signed up—hoping for a chance. Today she is working as an assistant cook at a barbeque restaurant, The Slab.

“I love it here. It’s like a family, and I like that between the catering and the cooking, there’s something new to do every day,” Tiffany says. “It feels great knowing I make my own money and can pay our bills. I love it.”

Part of the success of Put Illinois to Work was the local connection—subcontractors in each region finding the right employer match for each trainee worker’s circumstances. Tiffany Williams’ caseworker at Heartland Human Care Services knew her needs and skills and had built a relationship with the owners of The Slab. Put Illinois to Work helped families like Tiffany’s all across Illinois to get a foothold into the world of work and earn a regular paycheck.

“It’s given me a chance to be responsible and to be a great mom. I can show my kids that we can be independent.”

How You Can Help

Donate » Help Us End Poverty

Heartland Alliance—the leading anti-poverty organization in the Midwest— believes that all of us deserve the opportunity to improve our lives. Each year, we help ensure this opportunity for nearly one million people around the world who are homeless, living in poverty, or seeking safety.

Please consider making a donation today to help others like Tiffany.