Tracy Hull is a single mother of three who not too long ago battled cancer, alcoholism and poverty. Now, she’s a cancer survivor, a recovering alcoholic and on her way to a more prosperous life.
On Thursday morning, The Salvation Army of Pen Argyl delivered a moving ceremony for Hull, a Slate Belt resident who became the first graduate of Pen Argyl’s division of Pathway of Hope.
According to their website, Pathway of Hope aims to help families escape from situations of poverty by getting them to overcome past unemployment, unstable housing and a lack of education. Ultimately, the program’s goal is to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty and achieve stability.
The program helped Hull, a graduate of Nazareth Area High School, become more self-sufficient and provided her family with additional resources, including finding a math tutor for her youngest daughter and teaching her son how to save up for a car.
This was accomplished in part by services including “needs assessment, action planning, referrals, provision of emergency support, and follow-ups on progress and problems,” according to a news release from POH.
After winning her battle with cancer and becoming a recovering alcoholic, Hull has emerged dedicated to using her life experiences to help others overcome their addictions. Her tenacity has inspired and was celebrated by those who spoke about her.
She is a “caring, faith-strong and loving soul (who) is a prayer-warrior for all those in her circle of life and beyond,” POH Case Manager Kirsta Nagy said during her summary of Hull’s journey through the program.
Nagy also highlighted some of Hull’s many accomplishments during her time with the program. These include becoming a certified recovery specialist, completing a personal-progression and financial-stability course, and leading other members in prayer.
After several testimonials about Hull, she was presented with her graduation certificate by Salvation Army Majors Lydia Mercado and Martha Bone. Hull was also presented with a Home League gift (a gift card of $50) by representative Doris Steuer. The Home League is a Christian association affiliated with The Salvation Army.
The ceremony ended with Hull’s presentation of her vision board: a collection of pictures showcasing her journey through POH, beginning with the woman she was and ending with the woman she is now, she said.
During the presentation, she choked up and commented on how it had been an emotional day. And it certainly was: Hull, along with everyone who came to support her, all seemed incredibly proud of both her and her accomplishments.
POH has run programs in regions throughout Pennsylvania and Delaware since 2015. A $750,000 Pennsylvania Department of Education grant helped fund some of the programs. In addition, Santander Bank also gave a $30,000 grant to support Pathway of Hope’s Making Money Count program. Pen Argyl’s POH initiative was launched late last year.