In 2024, the Helpline Center introduced Transition to Success™ (TTS), a transformative, evidence-based model that redefines how we address poverty. Rather than viewing poverty as a personal failure or a simple lack of money, TTS treats it as a condition—one that can be understood, addressed, and ultimately overcome. This model was created by Dr. Marcella Wilson, whose leadership in both healthcare and nonprofit sectors led her to a powerful realization: poverty is deeply rooted in the environments where people live, work, and grow.

Dr. Wilson’s work, detailed in her book Diagnosis Poverty, emphasizes that poverty is caused by adverse social determinants of health—factors like unstable housing, limited access to education, food insecurity, and lack of healthcare. These conditions shape a person’s ability to thrive and are often beyond their control. By recognizing poverty as a treatable condition, TTS shifts the conversation from blame to healing, from temporary fixes to long-term solutions. This approach is now being adopted across Helpline Center programs, HCNC, and partner organizations, creating a unified, compassionate response to poverty in our community.

At the heart of the TTS model is a commitment to personalized, client-centered care. Every participant is paired with a trained coach who helps them assess their current situation and set meaningful, achievable goals. These goals span critical areas of life—such as housing stability, employment, education, transportation, and health—and are tracked over time to measure progress and celebrate success.

One of the most powerful tools in this process is the Map of My Dreams care plan. This individualized roadmap helps clients identify their personal dreams and the steps needed to reach them. Whether someone wants to earn a degree, find a better job, or improve family relationships, the care plan breaks those dreams into manageable, actionable steps. It’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving.

Coaches are more than just guides—they are trusted partners. Trained in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and cultural competence, they understand the complex challenges clients face and respond with empathy and respect. This relationship-based approach ensures that support is not only practical but also deeply human. Clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to take control of their future.

TTS goes beyond immediate needs to build a foundation for lasting change. In addition to coaching and care planning, the program emphasizes financial literacy, mentorship, and community engagement. Clients learn how to manage money, plan for the future, and make informed decisions that support long-term stability. These skills are essential for breaking the cycle of poverty and building confidence in one’s ability to succeed.

Mentorship and volunteering are also key components of the program. By connecting with others who have walked similar paths, clients gain encouragement, insight, and a sense of belonging. Volunteering allows them to give back, reinforcing their value and strengthening community ties. This creates a powerful feedback loop—where personal growth fuels community growth, and vice versa.

The journey to a better life begins with a single step. If you or someone you know is ready to move forward, the Helpline Center is here to help. Call 211 or visit our website to learn more about how Transition to Success™ can support your goals and dreams. Together, we can address the root causes of poverty and create a healthier, more equitable future for all.