SARAH’S STORY

“Women helping women is how it’s supposed to be. If we can be champions for each other and pull each other up when one of us falls down, that’s what we should do as a community.”

After spending her early career as a high school teacher, Sarah moved to Pittsburgh with her husband. Finding a teaching position was tough, so she took a job as a corporate recruiter. When she became pregnant, she decided to stay at home to raise their children. Twelve years into their marriage, the relationship ended. Sarah was now a single mother raising three children on her own.

Sarah took a contract job as a recruiter with the expectation it would evolve into a full-time position. Sadly, Sarah was suddenly let go after the company lost several large contracts.

Finding herself alone, unemployed and caring for three children, she was scared and unsure of where to turn. “I pridefully thought I could fix everything myself,” Sarah recalled. “Everything spiraled quickly as I fell behind on my rent and utilities.”

Sarah’s friend, Caitlin, encouraged her to reach out to United Way’s PA 2-1-1 Southwest. Caitlin is a member of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council and knew there were resources to help. “The woman I spoke to was very gracious. She texted me contacts which allowed me to maintain my dignity,” Sarah said. “I didn’t know there were programs like this that benefit professional women.”

Through United Way’s United for Women initiative, which helps women like Sarah who are experiencing an unexpected, temporary crisis, Sarah was able to catch up on her rent and utility bills. She found a job at Wesley Family Services, and with her newfound employment and help from the United for Women grant, she was able to get back on her feet.

“This experience has been humbling. I have a college degree. I’ve worked. I didn’t want to ask for help. But I think about my daughter. I hope she sees I was able to push through and take care of her. United Way helped me understand it’s okay to ask for and get the help you need,” Sarah reflected.

Sarah hopes that her story will inspire other women. “United Way’s United for Women empowers women and helps them maintain their self-respect,” Sarah recalled. “I was treated with kindess, respect and generous hearts.”

Sarah is now enjoying her job, and her family is thriving.

To learn more about how you can support United for Women, visit https://uwswpa.org/united-for-women/.