Can you imagine having the freedom to quit a job that isn’t really working for you, in order to pursue a skill that could unlock better opportunities for yourself and your family? 

That’s the new reality for Jasmine, a mother of four living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She took initiative and received access to job training and education opportunities and resources through a local community organization called LevelUp. One of the resources included information about UpTogether and eventual enrollment to receive cash investments.

“When I got accepted, I felt like it was time to take back control.”  

Jasmine was working 40 hours a week with four children—the oldest being 15 years old and the youngest being two years old—and used her cash investments to springboard into a more meaningful way of life for her family. 

“I was stuck inside a corporate mindset,” she said. “[The UpTogether funds] helped me buy a computer, and gave me more knowledge and power to make a set of decisions.”

Jasmine decided that her way up meant going back to school to get a degree in digital graphics. A tough choice made clearer once timely investments eased her concerns about having money to pay for school. With her mom’s advice, she quit her job in July, 2022, and used her first $500 investment as a down payment on school tuition.

“For me, 10 years later, I’m able to go back to school. I felt like that would never happen.”

Not only did it happen, but shortly after stepping out and returning to school, she received a scholarship and a concentration in production printing. A skill that has already been put to the test for Jasmine and her kids—she has printed fundraising materials for her oldest son, made flyers for her daughter’s gymnastics class, and even created party decorations. 

“I wasn’t able to afford the party supplies and decorations that I wanted them to have for their birthdays and special events,” she said. “[So] I did it myself since I didn’t have the means to go out and buy it.” 

Jasmine’s decision to quit her job and use her cash where she felt it mattered most has ultimately blossomed into the creation of a long-term happy place.

“$500 really helped make ends meet. I would gradually take the money and invest in different things that support my business,” she said. “My business is my happy place. If I can come into my office and get some things done, I feel refreshed and at ease.” 

She’s now able to work from home and have more control over when she can spend time with her family whether it involves going to the park, participating in art programs, or playing basketball.

“I want to be the best that I can be for them, despite what the statistics say.”

Jasmine was pregnant with her first child in high school and was told she wouldn’t graduate high school—look at her now—successfully jumping over hurdles in the race to give her children a better finish line.

“I’ve been on assistance through the government but I always strive for more,” she added. “I want to make sure my kids are in a safe environment, and have their own personal space.”