MYIA’S STORY

Myia, a single mother of two teenage boys, stayed at her job at a human services agency even after her wages were slashed by budget cuts. Three years later, Myia was struggling to pay her bills on her reduced salary and facing the added costs and disruption of being transferred to a more distant branch office. With her sister’s help, Myia found a good job she loves at Duquesne University.  Two months into her new job Myia was still three months behind on car payments, and her vehicle was repossessed.

Myia was resigned to the long commute by bus from Turtle Creek, but she worried about the impact on her sons. Myia’s supervisor suggested she call PA 211 Southwest, United Way’s helpline.  Myia was connected to Ways to Work Extra Mile, a United Way-supported program that assists women who are financially struggling after a one-time life event. The program arranged to pay the full past due amount and recover the car.

Myia and her boys are now fully re-engaged in their work and activities. Their finances are stable. Myia’s found her niche at work, and looks forward to a bright future. “It will take me a while to rebuild my credit, but I’m on my way,” she says. “Even so, it would probably have been years before I could get another car. I’m so thankful that there’s United Way programming for people like me.  I just needed a little help, but it was a real godsend.”