April Sutton Achieves Her Self-Sufficiency Goals


This month I would like to share another interview with an FSS graduate who has achieved self-sufficiency as part of the TMHA FSS program. This time Marty caught up with graduate April Sutton who successfully completed FSS in July.

MC) Briefly describe what motivated you to achieve self-sufficiency.

AS) What motivated me primarily was to provide a better life for my daughter Shante.

MC) What obstacles did you have to overcome to become self-sufficient?

AS) I had to obtain dependable child care and a job. Fortunately, I was able to find a starting job at McDonald’s which initially worked around my child’s day care and school needs. I was then able to grow and advance in my position with McDonald’s.

MC) What are your primary duties at McDonald’s?

AS) I have worked at McDonald’s for five years and started out as an entry level worker. I have advanced over time and am now the Shift Supervisor. I am responsible for operating my shift and making sure that everyone on our crew is doing their job adequately so that we are providing a quality product and excellent customer service.

MC) What are your future career and educational goals?

AS) My future career goal is to become a Store Manager for a McDonald’s restaurant. I have taken every educational class opportunity that McDonald’s has provided me so far and I believe that I have really benefited from that. I would also like to attend college someday.

MC) How did the FSS program help you in achieving your goals?

AS) Marty and the FSS program helped me to stay focused on all of my career goals and answered all of the questions I asked regarding pursuing my career and self-sufficiency goals. I also gained inspiration from the FSS newsletter articles that I read every month.

MC) What advice would you give someone else who is struggling with their self-sufficiency efforts or seeking to improve their career aspirations?

AS) Don’t give up! If things get difficult as they probably will, find a friend to talk to and work harder to prove to yourself how strong you really are.

MC) Do you have any specific plans for utilizing the escrow funds that you earned in the FSS program?

AS) I plan to pay off my debts and pursue my dream of buying my own house which I truly believe is now a real possibility for me and my daughter.

MC) What personal qualities that you possess do you believe were the key to achieving your goals so far?

AS) I believe that my best qualities are my inner personal strength and developing the confidence to believe in my abilities. I have also learned that people rarely accomplish things completely on their own and I am not afraid to ask for help when I need it.

Congratulations April on achieving self-sufficiency and good luck in all of your future endeavors!