Meet Maria
Maria moved to England from the Dominican Republic in 2012 to pursue a better and safer life. Maria became a Progress Housing Group tenant in March 2018, shortly after giving birth to her two daughters.
Maria is a single parent and receives Universal Credit. Her coach at the jobcentre talked to her about the Kickstart Scheme, but she wasn't sure what it entailed. After falling into arrears and experiencing financial difficulty, Maria was referred to Progress Futures to help her find a job and earn some extra money.
Through the Kickstart Scheme, Maria is now working in an office in the U.K. for the first time. The role has helped her to build her confidence in speaking in English. The Progress Futures team has helped her develop her skills, helped her with her C.V., and encouraged her to believe in herself. Says Mari' 'Progress Futures and the Kickstart Scheme have allowed me to believe in myself.'
