Wallick Resident Success: Jaci’s Story

Below is a personal reflection written by Jaci, a resident of Wallick’s Fair Park community in Sardinia, OH.

Jaci’s inspiring story is one of perseverance, made possible with the support of the Jack Wallick Memorial Scholarship.

This program has awarded Wallick residents up to $2,500 per school year for up to four years ($10,000 total) since 1998.

Later this month, Jaci will leave Fair Park as a new homeowner and soon-to-be college graduate set to begin her dream career in Cincinnati.

We are thrilled for Jaci and celebrate her incredible achievements!

Here’s her story, told in her own words:

Jaci’s Story

“When I applied for an apartment with Wallick back in November of 2021 I was at what I thought was one of the lowest points of my life. I was a single mom of a beautiful 5-year-old daughter and pregnant with my son. I was working part-time and attempting to attend nursing school full-time. Even with the help of my amazing parents, I was wondering how I would pay for everything and support two children on my own while trying to better our lives.

From the moment I met Shana, I felt hopeful and tried to be as positive about my situation as possible. With my son due in less than two months I moved everything into the apartment with the help of some family and on our first night there I held my daughter as she slept and cried for hours, thinking I was a failure for being in this situation and having to have so much assistance from my parents, living in an income-based apartment, and struggling to make ends meet. Despite being down, I was thankful to have my own place to raise my children and keep a roof over their heads, no matter the situation.

However, it was still a struggle to remain positive. After getting my first bill for nursing school, I was taken aback and once again, I was worried and wondering where to turn to financially make my goals attainable. I knew becoming a nurse was a lifelong dream of mine and this was a goal I was absolutely determined to meet. I was discouraged yet again and two days later came home to a paper on my door explaining scholarship opportunities that were available to Wallick residents. It almost felt like fate, so I immediately started searching and applying for every scholarship on the list and any other ones I could find at that moment.

After a couple of weeks, I found out that I was approved for several scholarships that I had applied for. This helped me stay in a positive state as I could now afford my nursing education. This gave me so much motivation to continue and truly helped turn a new leaf in remaining optimistic and taking on any challenge that came my way.

Anytime I needed assistance, Shana and the Wallick community were there to help immediately. I went from what felt like the worst point of my life to now being less than three months away from graduating nursing school.

I’m still a single mom to two beautiful children, I’m still working, and I’m still relying on my family to help immensely, but I made it. I set goals and pushed until they were achieved. I took an unfortunate situation and was able to turn my life into something my family and I can be proud of.

I’m so thankful for the support I have received from my family and this community. Without them, I’d still be at square one unsure of how to move forward.

I am proof that you can go from income-based housing, receiving help with your rent and electricity, and utilizing government assistance to buying your first home and receiving multiple degrees to obtain your dream job.

The help I received while being a member of the Wallick community is something that I will forever be grateful for.”

A special thanks to Shana Cowdrey, Community Manager, and Tammy Chapin, Regional Manager, for their dedication and genuine care in supporting Jaci.

We are proud to cheer Jaci on as she embarks on this exciting new life chapter for herself and her family!