Empowering Residents: Paula Smith
September 19, 2025
For many, the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program is a steppingstone—a way to regain stability, establish financial independence, and work toward lifelong goals. For Mr. Calvin Wesley, it was more than that. It was an opportunity to redefine his future, break barriers, and position himself as a leader in his community.
Today, Mr. Wesley is thriving in a full-time career as a Case Manager for the youth at CSS, where he works tirelessly to mentor, guide, and uplift young individuals. His journey is a testament to what can be achieved with discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to push forward—even when times get tough.
Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Wesley emphasizes the importance of resilience.
“When trying to recover and move forward in your life, it gets hard. But celebrate the small accomplishments and the little wins along the way.”
This mindset has carried him through challenges and moments of doubt, but instead of giving up, he embraced every milestone—no matter how small—as a step toward something greater.
For those currently enrolled in FSS, Mr. Wesley offers simple yet profound advice: stay disciplined and keep going. Success isn’t immediate, but those who remain committed will see progress unfold in ways they never imagined.
Beyond personal growth, Mr. Wesley continues to work closely with the Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) to support the community that helped him succeed. His passion for youth mentorship aligns with RHA’s commitment to empowering individuals and families, making this collaboration one that fosters lasting change.
Through his work at CSS, Mr. Wesley is not only guiding young people toward brighter futures but also serving as a living example of what’s possible when you invest in yourself.
While Mr. Wesley has already achieved significant milestones, his biggest goal for the next two years is to see his non-profit organization fully functioning at its greatest potential. His vision is to create a space where individuals can find resources, mentorship, and support, just as he did through FSS.
And his journey doesn’t stop there. Having built financial independence and stability, Mr. Wesley is now taking the next steps toward homeownership—a powerful milestone that solidifies his success and future security.
While Mr. Wesley speaks highly of his experience, he believes that FSS can become even more impactful.
“One recommendation I have is for the program to host more events that align with participants’ goals and implement more communication.”
By fostering more opportunities for engagement, networking, and shared learning, he believes that more participants can achieve success even faster.
For Mr. Calvin Wesley, the FSS program wasn’t just an opportunity—it was a game-changer.
“I would go through this program again. It was a pleasure to be a part of, and it was a great addition to my life.”
As he moves forward, Mr. Wesley carries with him the lessons, discipline, and perseverance that led him to where he is today. His journey is a powerful reminder that success is built one step at a time—and with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
Congratulations, Mr. Wesley, on your continued success! Your story will undoubtedly inspire current and future FSS participants to follow in your footsteps.
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re part of the FSS Program, take inspiration from Mr. Wesley’s journey and remember to stay disciplined, celebrate every win, and keep pushing forward. Your future is waiting.
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