Pathway of Hope: A Journey to Stability

Jasmine entered The Salvation Army’s Pathway of Hope case management program at the Glen Burnie Service Center in Central Maryland with her three children in August 2024. As a single mother, Jasmine was working full-time in childcare while navigating rising living expenses and limited financial flexibility. Like many hardworking parents, she desired greater stability, reduced financial stress, and a stronger longterm foundation for her family.

When Jasmine learned about Pathway of Hope through a life skills class at the Glen Burnie Service Center, she chose to engage in services to strengthen her budgeting skills, increase her income, build savings, and work toward her long-term dream of homeownership and eventually opening her own in-home daycare.

Under the guidance of her case manager, Jasmine began the journey toward greater stability and self-sufficiency. She signed the Working Together Agreement in September 2024 and identified goals focused on career advancement, increased income, and building emergency savings. Early in the program, Jasmine faced the possibility of a utility shut off, but through advocacy, referrals, and resource coordination from her case manager, she was able to stabilize the situation and remain focused on her broader goals.

Throughout the following months, Jasmine demonstrated remarkable resilience, initiative, and determination. When opportunities for advancement in her current role did not materialize, she proactively pursued new employment opportunities. In February 2025, she secured a position at a daycare center earning $25 per hour along with benefit eligibility. Shortly after, she was promoted to center director, significantly increasing her income and strengthening her family’s financial stability.

Jasmine also made intentional progress toward reducing expenses and creating a healthier work-life balance for her family. In May 2025, she relocated to an apartment that reduced both commuting time and monthly expenses. Through support from The Salvation Army and community resources, she was able to obtain essential household items for her new home while continuing to focus on long-term financial goals.

At the same time, Jasmine worked diligently to strengthen her financial health. She built an emergency fund, improved her budgeting practices, and explored pathways toward future homeownership. She also began working to improve her credit and research future opportunities such as Habitat for Humanity and entrepreneurship in childcare.

Later in 2025, Jasmine made another thoughtful career decision by moving into a teaching position that offered greater balance and flexibility for her family while maintaining a stable income. The change allowed for more quality time with her children, reduced her stress level, and even shortened her daily commute. By mid-2025, Jasmine shared that she felt more hopeful and confident in her ability to provide long-term stability for her family while continuing to pursue her future goals.

The impact of Jasmine’s participation in Pathway of Hope also extended beyond financial stability. With reduced stress, stable housing, increased income, and improved work-life balance, her family experienced greater emotional security and consistency. Jasmine’s intentional choices and perseverance created an environment where her children could thrive.

As part of the process, Jasmine increased her annual income by more than $10,000 while also significantly reducing housing costs and building savings for the first time. Within one year, she achieved key goals in income growth, housing stability, financial security, and longterm planning for homeownership and entrepreneurship.

Throughout her journey, Jasmine consistently followed through on action steps, sought out opportunities for growth, and remained deeply committed to her family’s wellbeing. Her faith, perseverance, and willingness to engage in supportive services played a meaningful role in her progress. Her story shows the power of strengths-based case management, supportive relationships, and client-driven goal planning in helping families move toward lasting stability and hope.