From Shelter to Soccer Scholar | Concord News

Samantha Johnston just shattered ceilings as the first graduate of Concord’s Resident Success Program — turning her life around from shelter life with five kids to a thriving career in behavioral health, a bachelor’s degree in progress, and a credit score soaring from the 400s to the 600s. In just two years, she crushed her financial goals, paid off $140K in debt, and even saved enough to fund her kids’ soccer. The program’s “housing-first” model gives residents like her a stable foundation, plus a unique perk: rent increases tied to income go straight into a tax-free savings account. Meanwhile, others like Etta Hyde, escaping domestic violence, are building budgets, savings, and independence — proving this program isn’t just about money, but about unlocking potential and rewriting life’s script. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ab5bf2ac4a03d86c