thrivelightsWhat began as a financial literacy class became much more. Thrive Lights helped one mother recognize hidden stress, seek support, and build financial stability while preparing to welcome her daughter.
From Stress to Stability in Orange County
When Gabriela signed up for SparkPoint, she expected to learn about budgets, bank accounts, and savings. She did not expect questions about her happiness. But as she worked through her first Thrive Lights survey, the question about emotional well-being stopped her cold.
Why were they asking this in a financial literacy class? She quickly selected green, “Most days, I feel positive about my life and consider myself to be a happy person.” Then she finished the survey.
A Question That Stayed With Her
Over the next few weeks, Gabriela kept thinking about that answer. Was she really feeling positive most days? The truth was, she was anxious. She and her husband both worked part-time jobs that barely covered their expenses. She was pregnant, and soon her paycheck would disappear. She remembered the heartbreak of losing a baby three years earlier and worried that stress might affect her pregnancy again.
The question on the survey had opened a door she could not close.
Seeking Support
At her next SparkPoint class, Gabriela confided in her Care Facilitator, Daisy. Daisy referred her to a therapist, who helped her process the grief she was still carrying. The loss did not vanish, but she gained tools to manage her emotions and fears.
With that weight lighter, she and her husband returned to the lessons from class. They created a budget, began paying down debt, opened a savings account, and started making regular deposits into their emergency fund. Her husband soon found full-time work. Daisy also connected Gabriela to affordable dental care and baby supplies, easing the family’s financial burden.
A Fresh Start
Three months later, Gabriela and her husband welcomed their daughter. At her final SparkPoint session, she completed the Thrive Lights survey again. This time, she proudly marked green for budgeting, debt, income, and savings. When she came to the emotional well-being question, she smiled.
She could answer honestly now. Most days, she truly did feel positive about her life.
More Than Finances
Gabriela’s story shows how Thrive Lights can uncover hidden challenges, even when families come in with other priorities. What started as a class on financial literacy became a turning point for her emotional well-being, her family’s financial health, and her confidence as a mother.
Through Orange County United Way’s SparkPoint program, families gain the tools, resources, and support to manage money, build stability, and strengthen every part of their well-being.
About Orange County United Way
For more than a century, Orange County United Way has been dedicated to solving critical issues in the community and empowering residents to reach their full potential. Through programs focused on education, financial stability, health, and housing, United Way helps families build stronger futures while working toward an Orange County united in compassion, opportunity, and lasting well-being.