Name: Savannah
Number of Children: 3
Training: Intro to Construction Trades
Current Occupation: Construction, JE Dunn Construction

“Going back to school this year felt a lot different for me and my boys. Before Climb, we received free backpacks and school supplies, but this is the first year we can do all the back-to-school shopping on our own because of my job.

I had been a stay-at-home mom for 15 years before Climb, so I was nervous going back to work. I really wanted to better my life and my children’s lives but wanted to do something outside the box. At Climb, learning about electricity, heating and ventilation systems, welding…these were things I never expected myself to do.

I want my boys to know they have a strong and independent mom. They were impressed to see me welding pipes at Climb and, later, driving a big diesel truck. Now I work full-time for JE Dunn Construction renovating the Wyoming State Capitol Building in Cheyenne.

“I want my boys to know they have a strong and independent mom. They were impressed to see me welding pipes at Climb and, later, driving a big diesel truck.”

My work means that we’re starting the school year with a lot less stress, and that feels good. We don’t have to wait until the next check comes in. I can buy the things the kids need to start the school year, like basketball shoes and football cleats. Before Climb, I was on food stamps and assisted housing—we’re no longer on any government assistance.

Climb gave me so much self-confidence. What I do now proves to my boys that you don’t have to live in a world where you just do what people expect.

So I just want to say THANK YOU for supporting Climb and helping make our story possible. I do it all for my kids—and they know that.”

— Savannah