Building Brighter Futures
From a First Job to a Brighter Future: Lilly’s Sans Souci Story
"It's all thanks to Sans Souci that I am where I am."
When Lilly first came to Sans Souci at just 14 years old, she had already experienced more than most young people should. Growing up in a home affected by addiction and instability, she often found herself caring for her younger sister while simply trying to make it through each day.
After moving in with her aunt, who was a Sans Souci employee, Lilly found a safe place to live and began working part-time while balancing school and the cosmetology program at McDowell Education Center. At Sans Souci, she found more than a first job- she found people who believed in her.
Years later, that belief became life-changing.
When Lilly turned 18, she made a decision that most people twice her age would find overwhelming. She wanted to bring her 14-year-old sister into a safe, stable home and become her legal guardian.
She couldn't do it alone. Because of the generosity of our community, Sans Souci was able to stand beside her when she needed it most. With support from Sans Souci, Lilly found an income-based apartment, connected with an attorney who agreed to take her custody case pro bono, and transitioned to working full-time after being granted temporary custody of her sister.
"I had to make sure we would have food on the table, insurance- all of that," Lilly said.
Today, Lilly is balancing full-time work while raising her younger sister and building a brighter future for them both. She hopes to participate in the upcoming Sans Souci Build You program while pursuing full custody.
Lilly's story reminds us that the greatest impact often begins with something that seems small- a first job, someone who believes in you, or a community willing to stand beside you.
Today on this Foundations Day, you can make stories like Lilly's possible. Every gift helps Sans Souci provide meaningful employment, individualized support, education, and critical resources that empower individuals to overcome barriers and build lives "without worry."
Will you help write the next success story? Make a gift today and create lasting change at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/sanssouci/.
More to Know
about our impactful results
Sans Souci’s Employee Development program is designed to employ and equip individuals who have struggled to obtain or retain employment elsewhere, providing them with the support and tools needed to succeed in the workforce. Through one-on-one coaching and personalized plans, employees work to overcome barriers such as housing, childcare, transportation, or financial instability. They also participate in regular trainings led by community partners on topics like communication, financial wellness and job readiness.
For those ready to advance, our Sans Souci Build You (SSBU) program offers career exploration, job shadowing and externship opportunities — empowering participants to build confidence and transition into stable, long-term careers.
Foundations
On average, Sans Souci employs 30 to 35 individuals at a time. Many of these employees come to us in crisis mode and have struggled to obtain or retain employment elsewhere.
By working with each employee, creating an individualized goal plan and providing paid training, we empower individuals by removing barriers that have prevented them from being successful at other places of employment. We provide guidance for them to a path to lifelong self-sufficiency, breaking the generational cycle of poverty.
Additionally, Sans Souci employees learn valuable and transferable skills just while working, such as cash handling, customer service and teamwork.
Build You
Sans Souci Build You (SSBU) is an extension of our Employee Development program, which provides training and guidance for select employees who are working towards moving from stability to self-sufficiency.
Through SSBU, participants will take six-week courses in the areas of finance, communications, personal development, computer literacy and career exploration.
After the courses have been completed, an employee will participate in a six-week externship with a partner employer in a field that the participant is interested in.
Keaton Alexander
Keaton joined the Sans Souci team five years ago and has had significant personal and professional growth since starting at Sans Souci. Keaton was struggling with anxiety so much that he only completed one shift before quitting. After some support and schedule adjustments, he came back- and today, he works full-time as our main truck driver, has stable housing and transportation, joined our Sans Souci Build You program, and is building a bright future and planning to take accounting classes at Ivy Tech.
Jordan Grant
Jordan joined our team about four years ago as a young teenager who was just looking to make some income. After graduating high school, Jordan was struggling with a sense of direction of what to do post-high school. Jordan has recently moved into a leadership position as an Assistant Operations Supervisor and since being in the SSBU class, has learned he would like to continue his education at IvyTech and is taking classes in business administration.
Kristy Hartman
Kristy has been with Sans Souci for almost 9 years. Kristy came to Sans Souci for a job that would be flexible with her schedule and allow her to support her children. Since being at Sans Souci, Kristy has moved into an Assistant Operations Supervisor role and wanted to join the SSBU program to grow in her leadership skills and explore other career options. Kristy continues to enjoy learning more each day and is excited about growing in her skills even more!
Kim Stein
Kim has been with the Sans Souci team for seven years and has worked in many different areas of the store and Donation Center and supports new employees by training them in areas such as the cash registers. Kim leads by example and wanted to be in the SSBU program to grow in her professional and personal skills. Since being in SSBU, Kim has been learning about other potential career fields and enjoyed taking the communications workshop! Kim will continue taking classes about leadership so that she can continue growth in her skills.