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Amina is a petite young woman originally from Ethiopia who came to America with her family when she was 9 years old. When she became a single mother, she was forced to leave her parents' home. Shortly after leaving she became worried about her situation. She couldn't afford to continue to pay rent, nor could she pay the other bills that were piling up. She also wanted to complete high school, something that seemed virtually impossible under the circumstances.

After hearing about Amina's situation, a counselor at her high school referred her to Kent Youth and Family Services, where she was given help through several programs supported in part by United Way of King County investments. KYFS placed her at Watson Manor, a transitional housing program for homeless adolescent mothers and their children. This stable housing afforded her the time to graduate from high school. Watson Manor also provided her with an opportunity to ultimately obtain permanent housing and referred her to a job training program that eventually helped her land a job.

She also enrolled her oldest child in the Head Start program at KYFS. "Because of the program, my son was well-prepared for kindergarten and school and I knew what to expect from the schools," Amina explained. She also takes advantage of the child care program offered through DSHS, which makes it possible for her to continue to work while ensuring her children receive quality care during crucial formative years.

Today Amina is working, raising her children and attending Green River Community College. "I want to be a nurse so that I can help other people," Amina said. "I like the idea of having the medical knowledge base to care for my children and other people." United Way of King County supports numerous programs that, among other things, offer affordable housing, provide quality child care and ensure children are ready to succeed in school.

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