Magan’s Story
When Magan first heard from the Our ChanceTN team, she was already ready for a change.
She was working at a factory that was preparing to shut down, and the future felt uncertain. When the opportunity to join Our ChanceTN came along, she decided to take a chance on something new.
That first step opened the door to many more.
While raising four children and balancing the demands of work and school, Magan earned her GED, CNA, and Medical Assistant certifications. Of those accomplishments, earning her GED was the most difficult, but it was also the most meaningful.
“It took relearning math, which I’ve always struggled with,” Magan said. “But this was the door that led to more open doors.”
The journey was not always easy. Finding time and staying focused while caring for her family, working, and pursuing her education often felt overwhelming. There were moments when she was tired, discouraged, and ready to give up.
“I cried, I prayed, and I pushed myself through each moment, each day,” she said.
Throughout the journey, Magan found encouragement and support from her Our ChanceTN case manager, Laura Britton.
“Laura has made all the difference,” Magan said. “She’s been so supportive through every step forward and even the setbacks. She cares, and it’s so apparent in how involved she is.”
Having someone knowledgeable in her corner also helped Magan move forward more efficiently. When she encountered an obstacle, Laura helped her find another path.
“If I found myself stuck, Laura always had an alternate route,” Magan said. “Having knowledgeable support made for a much smoother takeoff and made it easier to get things done faster.”
As Magan continued reaching new goals, her children were watching.
“It feels good to show my kids that no matter what the circumstances, it can be done,” she said. “I’ve noticed a change in the focus they show toward their own goals. It’s a reminder that they see the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
Balancing motherhood, work, and school has required determination and faith.
“It can feel overwhelming,” Magan said. “But by God’s grace, we make it work. We pull through.”
Today, Magan is continuing to look toward the future.
She is on the waiting list to begin LPN classes in September and is excited by the opportunity to make a difference while learning how to be the difference.
There was a moment when enrolling in college made everything feel real.
“It was that realization that I’m actually going to do this,” she said. “I took the first step, and I will keep going until it’s finished.”
Looking back, Magan has a simple message for the version of herself who was uncertain about what came next, and for other parents who may have big dreams but are unsure where to begin:
“It’s going to be okay. Worry less. It works out.”
And then, take the first step.
“Baby steps count,” she said. “Stay consistent. Keep going. Don’t stop. It’s never too late.”
Our ChanceTN is a part of a study funded by the Tennessee Department of Human Services which is being conducted to determine how these pilot programs help people improve their economic well-being. During the study, all new eligible applicants will be randomly selected into one of two/three groups that receive a different mix of program services.
The Tennessee Opportunity Pilot Initiative (TOPI) is brought forth by the Tennessee Department of Human Services and TANF Opportunity Act. This initiative will help individuals, families, and the state of Tennessee by creating a new vision for the Tennessee social safety net and is dedicated to helping low-income families grow beyond their vulnerabilities. TOPI empowers all Tennesseans by partnering with local organizations to reach deep into their communities and work shoulder to shoulder with individuals and families, growing their capacity to take on life’s challenges and reduce their dependence on the social safety net.