ALLEE

When Allee Black joined the RISE class, she had just moved to Springfield with her daughter—only two weeks into a journey that felt both exciting and overwhelming. Life at the time felt chaotic, and she knew she needed to take intentional steps to regain stability. Despite knowing only a few people in the area, she took a leap of faith and moved from Oklahoma, hoping to find direction and support in this new chapter.

RISE became exactly what she needed. The classes provided practical skills, meaningful friendships at a time when she had none, and even helped meet basic needs such as food during difficult weeks. Having a mentor to walk with her through the transition proved invaluable. Before moving and joining the program, Allee struggled to ask for help or speak openly about her challenges. Through her experiences at the Dream Center, she learned that vulnerability is not weakness, and that life’s ups and downs are normal. She now feels more prepared for difficult seasons, better able to recognize her weaknesses, and more confident in seeking support or applying the skills she has gained.

Over these months, Allee has also learned that life can be unpredictable and at times incredibly hard—but what matters is how she chooses to respond. Her daughter has always been her “why,” the reason she strives to grow and create a better life. But through this journey, Allee discovered something deeper: she is also her own driving force. The strength she once believed came solely from doing things for her daughter was actually rooted in her own resilience. 

RISE taught Allee that she is worth investing in and that she deserves a good and meaningful life, even when the path is difficult. She now knows the steps she needs to take to pursue her goals, and she has regained the confidence to keep moving toward them.