Tracey

”Years later looking up from the carnage of what my life had become I would try to undo what years of devastation did with no clue as to “How”. How to take care of my family or get out of debt. How to make more money or even how to manage the little money I had. This lack of knowing “How” would leave me working hard with little or no momentum stuck in the cycle of poverty tethered to a life I so desperately wanted to escape.”Read Tracey’s full story here.

Christina

Christina (she/her) is passionate about digital art, graphic design, fashion, and skincare. Her interest in the arts led her to study Arts and Design at CCP. Even before the Fellowship, Christina was interested in addressing the negative narratives associated with low wages, education access, food insecurity, the importance of reproductive rights, and how economically vulnerable pregnant people are. Christina applied for the Fellowship because she wanted to be a part of something that would allow her to discover her voice. She is passionate about contributing to meaningful discussions about how economic hardships specifically affect women.

“I want to help the world reimagine how we support youth. I hope my story can help humanity reimagine our educational system where youth of all backgrounds have the ability to explore their passions and interests.”

Ciara

Ciara (she/her) identifies as an African American, full-time student at CCP pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. In addition to her interest in music and the arts, she is also deeply committed to addressing low wages and job security issues. As a Fellow, Ciara was dedicated to gaining confidence and strength by learning from other young women and understanding their struggles outside her own.

“My story is here to help the world reimagine how the Department of Human Services can help to better support immigrant children like myself. I hope my story can help humanity reimagine how we treat children who have already been through trauma and value the voices of parents who truly want the best for their child.”

Ellie

Ellie (she/her) is a computer science undergraduate student. She is concerned about housing insecurity, low wages, sexual harassment and assault, medical care and debt, financial dependence, medication access, and transportation. During her time as a Fellow, Ellie was dedicated to gaining the skills needed to discuss issues of economic inequality. She enjoys video games, reading, and exercising.

“I think the one thing that would have allowed me to live my truth earlier is if our social systems didn’t presume that those around us who gave us support had good intentions. I want a world where everyone can live their truth, empowered, and secured.”

Jimeera

Jimeera (she/her) is completing a Behavioral Health & Human Services degree at CCP. As a young woman navigating the hurdles of life, the Fellowship allowed her to be part of the conversation to address housing insecurity, bad credit, financial insecurity, etc. Jimeera believes knowledge is power and is committed to holistically gaining control of her narrative/life story to pave a smoother path for her children because she knows they are the future. Jimeera joined the Fellowship with the goals of accessing resources and opportunities to open up doors for her to succeed. Jimeera aims to use all the opportunities presented during her time as a Fellow to grow and become a good example for her children, showing them that it is always possible to be better, have better, and do better; no matter what obstacles stand in the way.

“Although I’m still learning how to ask for help, I understand that there is no shame in who we are and that we need help sometimes. I hope my story can help humanity reimagine how we first see ourselves so that we can better self-advocate without fear of retaliation.”

Kachina

Kachina (she/her) is pursuing a degree in behavioral health at CCP. Her goal for the Fellowship is to change the narratives surrounding trauma, mental health, housing insecurity, food insecurity, and student loan debt. Kachina’s goals for the Fellowship were to gain an understanding of social and personal issues, as well as experience sisterhood. Her interests include writing, bowling, archery, and photography.

“This story is about my journey about how I navigated the challenges of housing and economic insecurity. My hope is that by sharing my story those that are in positions to make changes at a systematic level, will take into account my story and the countless others who are or may be affected by these challenges.”

Najat

Najat (she/her) enjoys film, yoga, herbalism, dance, poetry, gardening, and cooking. In addition to her studies in Art Therapy, she is passionate about speaking up against low (unfair) wages, lack of educational and medical access, housing insecurity, and immigration. Najat joined the Fellowship because she believes her story can help other women in similar situations and feels fortunate to be on the other side of her obstacles. Her goals during her time as a Fellow were to gain new insights, great memories, and tools to use daily by the end of the Fellowship.

“My story is here to help the world reimagine immigrant rights. My hope is, through owning my own story and reclaiming my future, that it can liberate others who are walking a similar path.”

Nate

Nate (they/she) is an Art and Design student. They enjoy painting, printmaking, papermaking, tattooing, graphic design, art history, and environmental science. Nate grew up seeing her mother depend on the government’s assistance for food and medical care. With the embarrassment they felt using their mother’s EBT card for food, shopping at thrift stores for clothing, and going to health centers instead of a primary care doctor, Nate became aware that they did not have the same financial opportunities as other children their age. She felt like a burden needing and wanting things with a price tag, which led to withdrawal and masking hunger and aliments. Nate has developed a strong interest in discussing mental illness, addiction, sex work, and the stigmas surrounding these topics. Nate is passionate about better understanding the wealth gap in Philadelphia and how it keeps Black women in poverty at any point in their lives. Nate joined the fellowship because they believe their past and present experiences are valuable to discuss to raise awareness and prioritize harm reduction.

“My story is here to help the world reimagine how we reclaim a right to pleasure and creativity. I would love to live in a world where advocacy for sexual health and sex workers are prioritized.”

Paula

Paula (she/her) is a criminal justice student. She enjoys reading, traveling, and trying new foods. Paul joined the Fellowship to improve her public speaking skills and build stronger connections and networks. Paula wants to address negative narratives about financial abuse, housing, and food security. She is also passionate about reforming the criminal justice system.

“My story is here to help the world reimagine how we view the educational system’s impact on youth and poverty. I hope my story can help humanity reimagine the way that we support youth for the future no matter where they come from or the obstacles they face.”

Tiaza

Tiaza (she/her) is a computer science and information technology student at CCP. However, because of her interest in gardening and visiting different farms, she is considering changing her major to something related to agriculture. As a young woman with financial insecurities who has never been able to afford to live on her own, the inability to have a safe space has impacted her holistic wellness. Tiaza joined the Fellowship to gain skills that will allow her to change the surrounding narratives of homelessness, financial insecurity, and mental health. Tiaza believes that being a part of the Fellowship provided her with a safe space to engage in relevant conversations with like-minded peers, including other young women who have lived experiences with economic insecurity and are willing to work to change the system for the better.

“I want my story to reshape how we view the gender wealth gap. I hold onto my hope of reshaping systems so their guidelines reflect a society that is more equitable for all.“

Akirah

“I want to show other women that despite their current situations, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Val-sharee

“No one wanted to hear my voice then. I feel like no one cared. My actions were just a cry out for help.”

Alisha

“I felt like my voice wasn’t being heard because it was just me. I didn’t have that support or income people thought I should have so I was being ignored. As a mother, it’s hard. It’s hard.”

Erica

“I’m back in my childhood home and I’m working towards owning it. I still have a ways to go. And I’m working towards it every day.”

Celeana

“If I didn’t make a change for my son and I, we were going to be homeless and I would have a bad record as a tenant. I started taking matters into my own hand.”

Christina

“My children know the struggles we inherit and have been through. It was important to me to give my children a life I never had.”

Carolyn

“I am a survivor who is holding on, and I still have hopes and dreams of becoming a homeowner and entrepreneur of a second-chance shop…I believe in second chances.”

Donna

“As a girl, I was not a priority. Staying unnoticed was a challenge for me. Once in a while, I was able to and that was a good day for me…”

Jennifer

“I searched for assistance and this led to even bigger obstacles…The individuals who could offer change or help created blockages of inequality, injustice, housing, and economic instability. I felt every step I took forward, I was knocked back ten.”

Watch Jennifer’s story here:

Learn more about Jennifer’s experience as a Change the Narrative Fellow in this Behind the Scenes Interview:

Tamara

“I’ve been able to work towards stability by utilizing programs that invest in women through financial literacy, training, education, and empowerment. My ultimate goal is to create financial security and generational wealth for my family and generations to follow.”

Watch Tamara’s story here:

Learn more about Tamara’s experience as a Change the Narrative Fellow in this Behind the Scenes Interview:

Taina

“None of the jobs I had were enough to cover my financial responsibilities. Every paycheck was like a raffle, which bill gets paid today. And every paycheck I cried until I had no money left. There were times when I said screw this and treated myself to some retail therapy to help with my depression, the depression that was triggered by my financial insecurity.’

Angie

Angie (she/her) wants to eradicate period poverty in and out of prisons. Angie is a first-generation Hispanic American with a lived experience of period poverty, or lack of access to menstrual products and reproductive health care. In addition to working on several period poverty initiatives in the city, Angie is also a student at the Community College of Philadelphia. With a formerly incarcerated family member, Angie recognizes the need for quality health care for all folks in prison, and real pathways to rehabilitation after they leave. Through the Change the Narrative Fellowship, she hopes to build her advocacy skill set and speak out about period poverty in jails and prisons.

Nicole

“It was on October 23, 2008, that a single life-changing event uprooted my security in ways I could never imagine. It was at this time that my daughter prosecuted her father for sexually molesting her. Not only was this event emotionally pivotal in my life but also financially. I was living below the poverty line without even knowing it. Unfortunately, even though I had two jobs and child support from now my ex-husband these were trying times. I would find out fast how low this line was when my children’s father was prosecuted and I lost all child support.”

Doreen

Doreen (she/her) is an advocate for better conditions and support for incarcerated and reentering individuals. Doreen is a Pre-reentry facilitator at Project Hope, working with incarcerated folks to prepare for life after incarceration. Doreen wants the public to know about the dismal medical conditions that incarcerated people are living in at SCI-Cambridge Springs. She believes stable housing for reentering folks is an absolute necessity. Doreen is excited to learn about podcast production through the Change the Narrative Fellowship and hopes to have a podcast of her own one day.

Elizabeth

Elizabeth (she/her) empowers herself and others to live their truth. Elizabeth works with justice-involved individuals pre- and post-release as a reentry coach at Family Services of Montgomery County. She is a certified peer support and recovery specialist and is a graduate student at Chestnut Hill College. Elizabeth is a loving daughter, wife, pet parent, and formerly incarcerated. Through the Change the Narrative Fellowship, Elizabeth wants to speak out about the near-insurmountable struggle for financial independence and personal autonomy post-incarceration. She says without the continued support of her family and public assistance, she would have not had the willingness to survive, and she wants to change this for others.

Marina

The Experience that I’m just about to share with you is about the cruel reality that my family and I have been subjected to in the USA, for more than 6 years now. About one year after coming to this country with my little children, to be a family with their dad, and when I was still being used to live here, we separated…

…my marital separation meant that I had to start seeing my children supervision and arm guards around…”

Kelley

“I am doing this to save what is left of my family, a home for my children and a way to turn this pile of debt back to normalcy. This is all because you want out, you no longer want to be with me and you no longer wish to be responsible for our home, our children and me. I mistook your abusive ways for love. I thought I could keep you happy by buying you things. I thought that I could buy your love and your respect and that would stop you from treating me like dirt. I still feel like dirt, and I am paying for in the worst way possible.”

Ivy

Ivy (she/her) wants to break barriers to employment and housing for reentering citizens. Ivy works as an Outreach Coordinator for a grassroots nonprofit organization and is an active member of Mothers in Charge, an organization that supports gun violence victims and their families. She is also the recipient of a Senatorial Award for dedication to non-violence and activism. Ivy is a mother, a fiance, and is formerly incarcerated. Through the Change the Narrative Fellowship, she wants to uplift the challenges reentering citizens face with upward mobility; between managing debt and finding affordable, quality housing on low wages, there is no time or funds for reentering folks to pursue professional development or educational attainment necessary to earn a higher salary.

Kate

“My son was born into a world of trauma, but he has no idea. Like any good Mother I try to shield and protect him as best I can. I protected us both during my pregnancy when my partner is abusive to us, jeopardizing both our lives. I left that relationship with my son and some serious PTSD. I was barely existing, I relied on my own Mother, a non-profit and the State to help me bridge this difficult time.”

Jamila

Jamila (she/her) is a published author, facilitator, and social justice activist and artist. She is an editor for Prison Health News, a medical & advocacy newsletter that is distributed throughout the prisons and jails in the United States, and a local advocate for prison justice reform in Philadelphia. Jamila has contributed to many panels and community discussions in the city and creatively directs fresh and innovative ways to perform & highlight justice-impacted narratives. Jamila is a formerly incarcerated woman, proud Muslima, and proud mother & grandmother. Through the Change the Narrative Fellowship, Jamila wants to bring to light the overtly disparate effects of restitution, fines, and court fees on low-income reentering citizens of color.

Barbie

“There once was a girl named Persistence. Persistence had many dreams like having a big stable home with enough bedrooms, a white picket fence to keep the danger out, a college education, a career she was proud of, and enough money to explore the world beyond the barriers that kept her confined. However, she faced many obstacles on the road to pursuing her dreams. But that didn’t stop her, Persistence knew that she was special, she just needed enough people to see it.”

Monique

Monique (she/her) is a firm believer in the power of community. She is a Special Initiative Outreach Worker for Project Home, working closely with the Opioid Epidemic Community in Kensington, and is in recovery. Originally from Rhode Island, Monique loves being outdoors in all seasons. She is an Indigenous woman, a caregiver, and formerly incarcerated. Through the Change the Narrative Fellowship, she wants to speak out against the spiraling and interconnected economic pressures of incarceration: job insecurity on top of mounting court fees, housing insecurity, and stigma around addiction.

Devon

“Every obstacle is an opportunity. When life gives you, lemons make lemonade, look on the Brightside.” Sure, optimism is better than pessimism but how do you expect me to be optimistic after losing four years of my life to a system that failed me?”

Pamela

Pamela (she/her) shares her experiences to break down walls of prejudice. Pamela works with justice-impacted individuals at the City of Philadelphia Office of Reentry Partnerships and is a ministry leader at Bibleway Baptist Church. She wants to advocate for better conditions during and after incarceration. Through her work and personal experience of incarceration, Pamela has witnessed how extreme the stigma faced by formerly incarcerated women is relative to men. She notes that the stigma is further exacerbated by the economic insecurity women face as they reenter. Through the Change the Narrative Fellowship, she wants to 1) encourage families of incarcerated women, especially youth, to not shun but embrace their returning loved ones, and 2) challenge cultural norms that justify additional, gender-based prejudice against women with records.

Sappho

Sappho (she/her, they/them) is a long-time organizer for LGBTQ+ rights. Her work involves reentry and crisis intervention services for LGBT and Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) individuals impacted by domestic violence. Their dream is to open a reentry/transitional house for Trans and GNC folx that offers workforce development and referrals to harm-reductive, gender-affirming healthcare. Sappho is an educator. They completed graduate studies in Psychology and are working on their dissertation. Through the Change the Narrative Fellowship, Sappho hopes to find the language to connect her advocacy work to her experience as a formerly incarcerated femme.

Victoria

Victoria, M.Ed. (she/her) strives to inspire others to be their best selves through education. She is currently the Project Manager for the DATA CoLab at the DA’s office and runs Victoria’s Urban Outreach Tutoring Service (VUOTS), a grassroots organization that offers free educational resources and services to underserved Philadelphia residents. Victoria is a Black woman, mother, and person of Re-entry. Through the Change the Narrative Fellowship, she wants to speak out about job insecurity for folks in reentry and combat the stigma around having a criminal record.