Two years ago, Sonia reached out to Arlington Thrive with a simple but powerful hope: to build a better life for herself and her child with special needs. At 56, this single mother and survivor of domestic violence was determined to find stability and growth, despite the many challenges she faced.
Sonia’s journey began with the Employment Pathways Program, where she enrolled in a medical billing and coding course. It was a bold step toward a new career, but the road ahead was anything but easy. During her studies, Sonia lost her housing grant and Medicaid coverage—critical supports for her and her son. On top of that, she faced a serious illness that left her struggling with brain fog, making it even harder to focus on her coursework.
But Sonia didn’t give up.
With resilience and the support of Arlington Thrive, she pushed forward. She not only completed the course but also passed her final exam, earning her Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Certification. She went on to successfully complete an externship, gaining valuable hands-on experience in her new field.
Today, Sonia and her son are safe, stable, and thriving. She continues to build her career as a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, turning her determination into a brighter future.
Sonia’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when community support meets personal strength. Thanks to your compassion and generosity, Arlington Thrive is proud to walk alongside individuals like Sonia as they transform their lives—one step at a time.
