FSS in Focus: A Mother’s Story 

Tanya Williams, a mother of four from Chicago, joined Rockford Housing Authority’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program to take control of her credit and build a better future. With the guidance of FSS Program Specialist Laura Martinez, Tanya gained confidence, knowledge, and long-term stability for her family. 

Tanya Williams Focused on Her Family’s Future 

Tanya moved to Rockford from Chicago hoping for a more stable environment for her four children. She was working, managing a household, and trying to stretch every dollar but she felt stuck. Although she had goals, like improving her credit and eventually owning a home, she didn’t know how to get there. What she wanted was clear: a better financial future not just for herself, but for her kids. 

Financial Stress and Credit Challenges 

Like many working parents, Tanya was doing everything she could to stay afloat. But limited access to credit and financial tools made it hard to get ahead. Past financial struggles had negatively impacted her credit, and she had never been taught how to rebuild it. 

Laura Martinez, FSS Program Specialist 

Tanya learned about the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program through Rockford Housing Authority. She met Laura Martinez, the FSS Program Specialist, during an informational session. From the start, Laura approached Tanya’s situation with compassion, structure, and encouragement. 

Credit Education, Budget Support, and Consistent Guidance 

With Laura’s help, Tanya created a personalized plan focused on: 

• Understanding and rebuilding credit 

• Learning basic financial literacy skills 

• Staying accountable through regular check-ins 

• Setting goals that matched her values and priorities 

Participation with Purpose 

FSS isn’t just about filling out forms it’s about showing up, being consistent, and applying what you learn. Tanya committed to the process. She attended her coaching meetings, asked questions, and stayed open to learning. Even when things felt challenging like handling unexpected expenses or navigating job changes Laura was there to provide encouragement and solutions. Over time, Tanya began to see changes not just in her credit, but in her mindset. 

Her journey is a reminder that with the right resources and guidance, families can move from surviving to building something stronger for today and for the future.