Welfare.

I don’t talk about this part of my life very often, but like many Americans, I grew up on welfare. My birth family depended on it, food stamps, government housing, Medicaid, all of it. As a young adult, I remember telling myself that one of my life goals was to never have to live on welfare again if at all possible.

It wasn’t because I thought I was better than anyone. It was because I was tired of being afraid. When you grow up depending on the system, fear becomes part of your daily life. You start to fear being promoted at work and possibly making too much money. You fear losing benefits that help you survive. You fear the rug being pulled out from under you if your income goes up by even a few dollars. You fear government taking it away before you are on your feet again.

After having my children, I didn’t make enough to afford insurance so I had to be on government insurance because I knew if something catastrophic happened I would not be able to take care of it. I appreciated CHIP and wanted to stay on CHIP, because with it, I could actually pay a small co-pay. I guess the small payment I made, felt like a restoration of dignity. It made me feel like I was contributing to my child’s health, like I was moving forward and not expecting everything free. When it came time for me to renew in  Texas, that choice was taken away. I’ll never forget the day I called to ask about being forced to be on Medicaid instead of having the option of Medicaid or CHIP. The woman on the phone, talked down to me. She told me I should just accept Medicaid, food stamps, and go apply for housing based on my income. The crazy part is, I was very proud of my income. I was happy to be able to provide something for my family.

I remember sitting there thinking, You don’t understand. I don’t want to stay stuck. I just need a little help while I’m building my life. I had a garden in my backyard. I was paying for my very own house. I just needed medical coverage for peace of mind.

😬🤯😂 I was so frustrated, I actually wrote a letter to the President of the United States. I never heard back, of course, but I’ll never forget how it felt to write that letter, to say, “I’m trying. Please see me. Please hear my story.”

It’s really hard when you grow up on government assistance to try to get off of it. The system isn’t built to make it easy. Sometimes you make just a little bit more, and suddenly you’re cut off, but it’s not enough to cover a high monthly insurance premium.

So when our family finally reached the point, not too many years ago, where we could buy our own insurance policy, I cried. Not because it was perfect, but because it represented freedom. It represented years of clawing our way out of fear and learning to stand on our own.

See, I’ve been homeless. I’ve lived in cars, tents, hotels, and government housing. I’ve witnessed both sides, the fear of losing help, and the irresponsibility of taking it for granted. I’ve learned this: we absolutely need systems of support but we also need systems that empower.

I’ve met so many families who are terrified of losing their benefits, and I get it. It’s scary when you’ve got kids depending on you. That’s why I decided to speak out, not to shame anyone, but to remind us all that freedom is possible. We can use these programs as stepping stones, not final destinations.

If you’re still reading right now and you’re working hard, showing up, doing the best you can, I see you. From me, there’s no shame in needing help. There’s power in believing that you don’t have to need it forever. Eventually maybe you will pay it forward to help those moving forward and needing help still.

We can build something better together, one small step, one brave choice, one honest day’s work at a time.

Freedom isn’t about pride. It’s about peace. Peace comes when you’re no longer afraid.

❤️

When I talk about finding freedom, I don’t just mean emotionally, I mean financially, too.

There are so many creative, honest ways to start building stability again, even if you’re starting small.

I started my first job at 13 years old as a bagger and shopping cart pusher at a local Winn-Dixie. That job didn’t just teach me how to work, it taught me how to show up, budget, and take pride in earning something for myself. I’m not saying kids should break child labor laws, but I do believe it’s important for our youth to learn responsibility early, even if it’s a weekend job, mowing lawns, or helping around the neighborhood. As a teenager, I also worked at Churches Chicken, Eckards, in the photo department, the Burleson Chamber of Commerce, a local dry cleaners, IHOP, and Kmart.  I learned so many skills at these different jobs. I am so grateful they were willing to hire young people. 

I truly believe work builds confidence. Contribution builds character. Those small beginnings can turn into big blessings.

2025 is amazing because there are many ideas for families who want to start building independence together:

For Adults & Parents

Delivery & Gig Work: DoorDash, Uber Eats, Amazon Flex, or Instacart for flexible side income.

Home Services: Cleaning or organizing for Airbnbs, house-sitting, or pet-sitting.

Online Reselling: Use Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or eBay to sell gently used items or handmade goods.

Small Business Ventures: Create candles, crafts, jewelry, or baked goods to sell locally at craft fairs or online.

Freelance Skills: Offer virtual assistance, writing, photography, or social media help.

Affiliate Marketing or Product Sales: Partner with brands or small businesses you truly believe in.

Elderly Support: Provide errands, cleaning, or companionship to neighbors who need an extra hand.

Seasonal & Event Jobs: Local fairs, catering, lawn work, or Christmas light installations.

For Teens & Kids

Weekend Yard Work: Mow lawns, rake leaves, or plant flowers for neighbors.

Pet Care: Walk dogs, feed pets, or offer vacation care for families.

Babysitting or Mother’s Helper: Great for older teens learning responsibility.

Tutoring or Homework Help: Especially for kids strong in certain subjects.

Creative Work: Start a small jewelry, bracelet, or art business; sell at local events or online with adult help.

Tech Help: Teens can help older adults with phone setups or digital organization.

Family Garden Projects: Grow and sell produce or flowers at a local market.

Every step counts, even the small ones. When families work together, something shifts. Kids learn ownership. Parents model perseverance. Everyone begins to understand that hard work and faith can rebuild what once felt impossible.

The goal is progress and progress starts with doing something today that your future self will thank you for! 💕
Love, Steph