Drowning in financial hardship after her divorce, Sakina Martin felt trapped in a cycle she feared she could never break. To support her young daughter, with whom she shared a one-bedroom apartment, she worked two jobs and accumulated large amounts of debt. She dreamt of a different reality for her daughter than the one that had been hers. “I come from a broken home,” she said. “My mom was 15 when she had me; my father wasn’t’ around; I had no role model to show me how to avoid these pitfalls.” Sakina desperately sought a more stable financial future.

On a particularly hard day, a friend insisted that Sakina accompany her to a housing expo. After much convincing, Sakina reluctantly agreed, a decision that would change her life forever. At the expo, she met Carole Rogers, Financial Mentoring Manager of FFP Grantee Britepaths, a Northern Virginia nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families in crisis achieve financial empowerment. Upon meeting Carole, Sakina broke down; Carole’s friendliness and willingness to listen provided a safe space for Sakina to be vulnerable in talking about her financial circumstances, something she had never experienced before. She felt truly supported and described Britepaths as “a literal bright path”, illuminating her way forward. Carole recommended that Sakina join Britepaths’ Financial Coaching Program and utilize their food assistance program.

Through the Financial Coaching Program, Sakina connected with Dave Carlson, CFP®, and together they embarked on a journey to transform her financial future. Working with “Mr. Dave,” Sakina began to uncover new ways to improve her financial situation. By participating in Britepaths’ food assistance program, Sakina was able to save more, and with Dave’s help, she learned how to track and manage her household expenses and implement a monthly budget. Dave also helped her tackle her debt and improve her credit score, educating her on interest rates, debt consolidation options, and debt payment strategies.

After over a year of working with Dave, Sakina no longer has to rely on a second job, which has allowed her to be more present in her daughter’s life. Her daughter has recently started participating in recreational sports, and it means the world to Sakina to attend every event. Upcoming topics for Dave and Sakina include retirement, securing a better-paying job, and imparting financial capability to her daughter, a budding entrepreneur.

Dave’s guidance has transformed more than just Sakina’s financial situation. Financial freedom empowered her to leave her past relationship, and she now navigates life with greater strength, wisdom, and confidence. Sakina feels unbelievably blessed by her sustained relationship with Dave. “Britepaths’ programs have restored my faith in humanity – there are angels walking this earth and Dave is one.”