Raising the Bar

Silvia and her son, Alex, are pictures of success.

Silvia works as an accountant at one of Houston’s oil and gas companies, where she was recently awarded the employee “Spotlight on Excellence” award. She also works as a teaching assistant at the University of Houston, where she is earning her master’s degree in accounting. Alex started kindergarten this year and already loves to read.

“We are unbelievably proud of Silvia and Alex,” said Debbie Rippstein, Executive Director of Gracewood. “They are truly a testament to what someone can accomplish when given the right environment and tools to succeed.”

Silvia and Alex first arrived at Gracewood in June 2010. After leaving an abusive marriage, she was looking for resources to help her continue her four-year degree program while parenting three-year-old Alex.

She had 66 college credits and a green card from Romania when she came to Gracewood. Gracewood’s relationship with the Children At Heart Foundation allowed her to receive a scholarship, which helped minimize her student loans and reduce her working hours so she could focus on studying.

“When I came to Gracewood, I had a 2.53 GPA and I ended up graduating in the top 15 percent of my class, magna cum laude,” said Silvia. “Gracewood saw my talent, cultivated my drive and believed in me.”

At Gracewood, Silvia learned to manage her time and to save and plan for the future. She also became a United States citizen, received professional development training, and secured the job at the oil and gas company where she continues to work.

“Having the right environment and support was the key to accomplishing my ultimate goals,” said Silvia. “Through counseling, I learned how to achieve work/life balance and pave the way for our future.”

Gracewood also allowed Silvia to have quality time with Alex without having to put him in a full-time day care.

“The children at Gracewood are like a family. Alex got to be a kid without having to feel the financial stress we were under,” said Silvia.

Silvia and Alex lived at Gracewood for three years and moved out in May 2013, the same month Silvia graduated from college.

“When we left, I had two degrees from U of H, one in accounting and one in supply chain management, as well as a certificate in oil and gas accounting. I had self-confidence and funds to be on my own,” said Silvia. “We felt ready, not scared, to move on.”

Sylvia credits her Family Life Coordinator, Brandi Hobratschk, for helping her develop a daily schedule and manage her time efficiently, allowing her to participate in professional case study competitions and achieve academic excellence.

With the generosity of Silvia’s mentor, Kelly Brooks, who continues to be involved in their lives, and a group of ladies from Sugarland Baptist Church, they have new furniture and appliances for their apartment.

Silvia will graduate with a master’s degree in accounting in December 2014.

“My 5-year-old already thinks about what he will get his master’s degree in someday,” said Silvia. “Gracewood has not only raised the bar for me, but for future generations.”