Owning a home has long been considered a fundamental part of the ‘American Dream’. It symbolizes not only financial stability but also a sense of accomplishment, security, and a place to call one’s own. The idea of homeownership embodies the pursuit of a better life, a place where families can create lasting memories and build a foundation for the future. All that said though, it is not an easy task.
The journey to homeownership is challenging, and its achievability depends on many factors and circumstances. Challenges such as credit history, down payment requirements, and navigating the intricacies of the homebuying process. All of this can pose hurdles for many of us in the pursuit of buying a house.
In Jasmine’s story, we get to see her achieve this quintessential American Dream, making it a reality for her family, and we do not leave out the challenges that came up along the way! Jasmine’s story is a testament to the unwavering spirit of those facing life’s challenges with determination and grace. Her journey with Norwescap began nearly a decade ago, during her senior year of college and the birth of her first child. A recent move, a period of uncertainty, and the challenges of single motherhood led Jasmine to our doors.
In her own words,
“Hi, I’m Jasmine. I’m a mother of four, and a paraprofessional in the school district, working with first and second graders. I also have a second job working at Alternatives, where we help adults with disabilities.
Back in 2014, when I was in my senior year of college, I had just had a baby, my oldest daughter Jenette. I moved to Warren County and back in with my mom. I was down. I didn’t know what to do – I was just lost in that stage of my life. Finding Norwescap at that time, coming out to their events – they kept me busy and kept me up in spirit.
Soon after, I found out I was pregnant again. I was still in school, with no job, with a two-month old baby. It was a lot. I was living off my savings from my previous jobs. My mom was able to give me a safe place so I could finish college. And once I had my second child, Norwescap helped me and my girls find our first apartment.
As my kids got old enough, I enrolled all three with Norwescap’s Head Start, and I started volunteering there. It’s been incredible. I already have my youngest on the waiting list! When I got pregnant again, I learned about Norwescap’s WIC program. They helped me with nursing, which was amazing. I also attended childcare provider classes with Norwescap, and I got certified and was able to provide childcare in my home during the summers to make some extra money.
Still, it’s been a rough couple of years. We’ve had to move around a few times. My mom passed away at the peak of Covid. I was trying to buy her house, and everything went wrong. I lost a lot of money in the process, and I just gave up.
Then, earlier this year, the team from Norwescap’s Family Success Center told me about this house Norwescap had fixed up, right here in Phillipsburg, and told me I could apply to become the homeowner. I didn’t think it was going to happen, but within a week, I got an email saying I was approved!
Now, I’ve never owned a home before. I didn’t know anything about buying a house. Norwescap’s Financial team helped me through it all. I did everything they told me to, and my credit skyrocketed. They’ve been there to tell me what I need to do, step by step, to get ready for this.
Becoming a homeowner is very exciting. I know it’s going to be hard. What if the toilet breaks?! I have to fix it! But I’m really excited, especially for my children. That they have something to call their own – that’s what’s important to me. Knowing that when those street lights go out, they’re going into a home where they feel safe.
I don’t even know where to begin with Norwescap, what they’ve done for my life. I don’t think there’s been a point in my life since I moved out here that I haven’t been able to reach out to Norwescap. They go hard, they fight for you. In the past I would have never asked for help – but now I would tell anyone, if you have a question or if you need help, reach out. And if you go to Norwescap, you’ll get your answer.
At the end of the day, my biggest motivation is my children. My goal in life right now is just to make sure they can succeed and have the best opportunities. And that at night, they have somewhere to lay their heads, and they feel safe. I hope our future in our new home is all happy. I just want to see my family happy, spending time with each other. Having dinner together. I’m really excited for that.”
“As someone who would not ask for help – I’m so grateful that help came to me. When you’re going through something, you don’t really want to share your struggle. But I realized that when you open up and just say to one person ‘I need help,’ so many other doors open. Norwescap has done that for me.” – Jasmine
Norwescap became a line of support, offering events that not only kept Jasmine’s spirits high but also connected her with a network of assistance that would prove invaluable through the years.
Jasmine’s resilience was evident as she navigated the complexities of motherhood, simultaneously working towards completing her education. Norwescap played a pivotal role, assisting her in finding her first apartment and enrolling her children in the Head Start program. The organization became a constant in her life, providing a lifeline during moments of uncertainty – literally a connection she started to feel ‘at home’ with and began feeling like ‘family’ within.
The journey was not without its challenges, and she was transparent in her telling of the story. Even the most magical ‘fairy tales’ have an element of the aching realities we all encounter. Jasmine faced heartbreak with the passing of her mother during the peak of the pandemic, and her dream of purchasing her mother’s house took many unexpected turns. Yet, in the face of adversity, her determination remained unshaken.
The notion of home as a cornerstone of the ‘American Dream’ resonates deeply, and Norwescap’s commitment to making this dream accessible to more people adds a heartwarming dimension to this cherished aspiration. Earlier in 2023, when a new opportunity emerged, it altered the course of Jasmine’s life – that chance to become a homeowner! Norwescap’s work throughout New Jersey in our Norwescap Community Development (LINK) program and alongside our Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit (NRTC) program (LINK) presented her with an opportunity – a meticulously restored house in Phillipsburg, symbolizing the hope and the Norwescap commitment to providing stable homes for families in need.
Becoming a homeowner marked a significant milestone for Jasmine, but the path was not without uncertainties. It truly ‘took a village’ to open all the doors of opportunity to make this happen. Norwescap’s Financial Empowerment (LINK) team provided unwavering support, guiding her through the process and imparting valuable financial literacy skills that will benefit her family for years to come.
Jasmine’s gratitude for Norwescap is profound. “I don’t even know where to begin with Norwescap, what they’ve done for my life. They go hard, they fight for you.” Her words capture the transformative power of community support, compassion, and a shared commitment to helping those in need. But we cannot discount the energy she brought to this story, only matched by the energetic bubbles of her little ones. Watch them in action here: (INSERT VIDEO THAT STARTS WITH “MY MOM…”)
As we celebrate Jasmine’s triumph, we continue to acknowledge that collective impact of generosity from donors and supporters of the Norwescap mission (INSERT LINK TO DONATE PAGE). Contributions come in many forms, from volunteers As we celebrate Jasmine’s triumph, we continue to acknowledge that collective impact of generosity from donors and supporters of the Norwescap mission (INSERT LINK TO DONATE PAGE). Contributions come in many forms, from volunteers (LINK) to donations (LINK), to corporate partnership and NJ State support, like the NRTC (LINK). They all play an integral role in supporting families like Jasmine’s, offering hope, stability, and the opportunity for a brighter future. From Head Start graduations to the closing of her first home the Norwescap community has truly been part of Jasmine’s story, making each milestone possible.to donations (LINK), to corporate partnership and NJ State support, like the NRTC (LINK). They all play an integral role in supporting families like Jasmine’s, offering hope, stability, and the opportunity for a brighter future. From Head Start (LINK) graduations to the closing of her first home the Norwescap community has truly been part of Jasmine’s story, making each milestone possible.
Jasmine’s journey reflects the essence of our mission to create communities where resilience, compassion, and hope thrive. The holiday season of 2023 (DONATE PAGE) sets amongst our most joyous as we get to witness how doors of opportunity open, and an impact is made in the lives of individuals like Jasmine.
Together, we have found the keys that unlock those doors of opportunity and create lasting change in the many programs at Norwescap that, combined, provide comprehensive support that make even the biggest dreams come true, despite the obstacles we so often must face. Together, we can build a community where resilience, compassion, and hope illuminate the path to a brighter tomorrow.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Norwescap family and for sharing in the joy of Jasmine’s journey.
by Dawn Hartfelder – updated 1/17/2024
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