To see how the programs are working, we interviewed dozens of participants from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances. Some were working multiple jobs to keep their families afloat. Others were transitioning to a new career, or getting out of an abusive relationship, or reuniting with their children after overcoming addiction. A new mother extended her maternity leave to six months. An ex-convict signed up for health insurance and started therapy.
A dad was able to spend less time on side hustles and took up camping with his kids. Little things that make a world of difference. Stephanie Bartella , 48, is an administrator at Pierce College and a divorced mother of four in Tacoma, Washington. I had come out of an unhealthy marriage, moved back to Washington to be closer to my family, got my degree. I was able to get a mortgage on a home. I felt like a very fortunate person, and everyone was telling me I was making the right choices.
But I was putting my utility bills on a credit card pretty regularly. I was buying the cheap, cheap groceries. It was really defeating.
Where I felt it the most was always having to say no to my kids. I used the guaranteed income to pay down some credit-card bills. I buy a little bit more meat and prepared food items that help save time making dinner.
I had a dead tree in my yard, and thank goodness I was able to pay to get it cut down. I gave my family one splurge. My nephew was getting married, and me and my boys got to stay at the same hotel with the rest of the family and enjoy the wedding.
