On May 1, Talia Scott, a resident at the House of Hope, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship at the 11th Annual Possible Women Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The event was hosted by Wind Enterprises and included the following keynote speakers: Elizabeth Edwards, a successful author, passionate advocate for children and an accomplished attorney; Laura Liswood, Secretary General; Marie Wilson, Founder of the White House project and many other notable women across the world.

The Possible Women’s Foundation International (PWFI) was started in the early 2000’s by a group of highly educated women whose passion is to assist other women in furthering their education. There were a total of eight PWFI Scholarships to be awarded this year to women who are returning to school after a hiatus, changing careers, or seeking advancement in their career or work life. The money provided by the PWFI scholarship is to be used solely to pay for tuition and fees at an educational institution. Out of 700 applicants in 2008, Talia was chosen as one of the women to receive a scholarship.

In the past year, Talia has been writing essays of her story with meek determination to get a scholarship to help pay for her school. She has recently enrolled into a one-year program at CNI, Career Networks Institute, to become a certified surgical technician in hopes of having a steady job to provide for her four daughters.

Since she’s been at the House of Hope, Talia has been able to escape from a life of heavy drugs, gangs and incarceration to a life of hope for the future. “The House of Hope means everything to me – I’m back on my feet now. I’ve grown a lot, learned to be humble, and now have my four daughters with me” says Talia. Receiving this award has been a blessing to Talia and has given her more hope of what great blessings God has in store for her in the future.

The women of PWFI were so amazed with Talia’s determination that they offered further assistance and tried to convince her to move to Atlanta. Her story is even going to be featured in an inspirational book!

As Talia concludes with a big smile of excitement, she says “One day I’m going to be there, as successful as those women are!” Talia feels that this is only the beginning of many dreams come true. Congratulations, Talia!