thrivelights

Sometimes small steps lead to big change. By using Thrive Lights to set a savings goal, one Tennessee mother turned rolls of dimes into $900 — her first real emergency fund and a source of pride.

Small Changes, Big Impact in Tennessee

A family in Tennessee had long navigated the challenges of living paycheck to paycheck. When they first heard about the Thrive Lights (locally called Aspire) assessment, they were hesitant. They weren’t sure how answering questions about their life could make a difference in their daily struggles. Yet by the end of the process, they had identified needs they had never fully acknowledged before, opening the door to real change.

A Moment of Realization

The family has lived in the United States since 2018, with both parents committed to advocating for their children and building a better future. When they completed their first Thrive Lights survey, the “we have savings” indicator showed red. They realized they had no emergency funds at all. Covering essentials like rent, utilities, and food left little room to think about savings. Seeing the red light on their Life Map was eye-opening—it sparked a new awareness of the need to plan for the future.

Creative Solutions

Working with their Family Services Specialist, the mother set a clear goal: to start saving money. Without access to a traditional bank account, she needed a strategy that was practical and doable. Together, they brainstormed options. The Specialist suggested a simple but effective approach: request $10 worth of dimes with every paycheck, roll them up, and store them in a shoebox at home.

The mother embraced the idea. Week after week, she put aside her rolls of dimes, resisting the temptation to spend them. Over time, this small routine became a powerful habit, reflecting her determination to build financial stability for her family.

A Surprising Outcome

At her follow-up assessment, the Family Services Specialist asked about her progress. The mother brought out the shoebox she had faithfully filled. Together, they counted and discovered she had saved $900—the largest amount she had ever managed to set aside.

The moment was a breakthrough. Not only had she built her first real savings, but she also felt the pride of proving to herself that change was possible. Inspired by her success, she encouraged her sister to try the same method with her own family.

Why It Matters

This family’s story shows how Thrive Lights can help turn reflection into action. By identifying savings as a priority, setting a SMART goal, and finding a practical solution that fit their circumstances, they created a habit that changed their outlook.

About Telamon | TRC
Telamon | TRC empowers families and disrupts the cycle of poverty by helping individuals build educational foundations, gain career skills, strengthen financial management, and secure affordable housing. With programs across multiple states, including Head Start early childhood education, workforce and career training, and housing and financial empowerment, Telamon partners with communities to create opportunities for families to thrive and build lasting legacies of success and well-being.