““I’m very grateful to SNAP,” said Deborah. “I am very grateful that I got to prove to my family that we can do it. Even if we’re migrants, even if you have kids, or you’re busy with your life; you’re still able to do it.”.”
Deborah, SNAP Client
FROM CLIENT TO CONTRIBUTOR: DEBORAH’S JOURNEY WITH SNAP
Deborah first came to SNAP as a client in 2023. Through resilience and determination, just a year later, she returned to the agency as an intern. Last week, she became the first person in her family to earn a college degree.
“I’m very grateful to SNAP,” said Deborah. “I am very grateful that I got to prove to my family that we can do it. Even if we’re migrants, even if you have kids, or you’re busy with your life; you’re still able to do it.”
While SNAP is honored to have supported part of her journey, Deborah’s achievements are a testament to her grit and tenacity. She was born in Congo and spent thirteen years of her childhood as a refugee in Uganda. Deborah moved to Spokane ten years ago, hoping to plant roots and build a future. At the age of 17 she enrolled as a freshman at Lewis and Clark High School, graduating just three years later.
Deborah was planning to attend Western Washington University when she learned she was pregnant with her first son, Jethro. She put her education on hold while she focused on her family. Eventually, Deborah was able to resume her studies at Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC). That’s where she first encountered SNAP at an outreach event in 2023.
“I was taking my mom to apply for her Working Families Tax Credit,” Deborah recalls. “That’s when a SNAP employee suggested I should apply too. They helped both of us, and we ended up getting our money thanks to SNAP.”
Later, while balancing part-time work and school, Deborah’s husband Moses unexpectedly lost his job, leading to financial strain and a looming shut-off notice. She again turned to SNAP for energy assistance. The agency provided crucial support, covering three months of energy bills.
“During that time, we knew the money issue was temporary, but the bill needed to be taken care of,” Deborah recounts. “I approached SNAP, and they helped us. It felt really good.”
In April 2024, Deborah approached SNAP again, this time for internship hours needed to complete her AA in Social Work at SFCC. Nine months pregnant with her son Joshua, she faced challenges in finding a flexible internship.
“I applied to four different places. Three said no, and SNAP said yes,” Deborah recalled. She says the internship at SNAP was not only educational but also deeply fulfilling.
“Interning for SNAP has been exciting, fun, and a great learning experience in the social work field,” Deborah shared. “Everyone made me feel so welcome and included. I felt like family here.”
After her graduation, Deborah sent a heartfelt email to her SNAP teammates, expressing her gratitude:
“Hello everyone. I hope all is well. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for playing such a great role in supporting me to reach my goal. I will forever be grateful.”
Attached were photos from her graduation, capturing her family’s celebration. Deborah reflects on this moment with tears in her eyes.
“My reason for doing everything is for my family. I want my brothers to think, ‘I want to be like my big sister.’ I want my kids to say, ‘Look at my mom now. I can’t give up.”
Deborah views her achievement as a collective celebration with her family and the African community, inspiring others to always move forward.
“Just like her graduation dress, Deborah sparkled and shined here at SNAP,” said SNAP Volunteer Coordinator Addy Dodd. “Her sons truly have an incredible mom, and we appreciate all the help she provided!”
This fall, Deborah will attend Whitworth University to pursue her bachelor’s in social work. Though her internship has ended, her SNAP journey will continue. as she plans to volunteer with the agency’s Neighbors on the Go Program.
“I’m so grateful for SNAP,” Deborah remarked. “I want to stay involved.”
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