We often hear the metaphor, “if you fall off of the horse, get back on.” The origin of this common saying is unknown, but it is widely used to encourage an individual not to give up. However, the metaphor fails to recognize how difficult it can be to recover from a tumble off a horse. What if the horse has run off after the accident? What if you are injured? Getting back on that horse or even off of the ground may not be immediately achievable.
Often, when we take that metaphoric fall off of the horse, it is not as simple as getting back on. Our community is so fortunate to have support systems for anyone that has found themselves off of this metaphoric horse. Organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Merryman House, Habitat for Humanity, and other nonprofit and government-funded programs work to transform the lives of individuals in this community. Tineka Fitzgerald is an inspiring example of resiliency and renewal. A wife, mother, and local business owner, Tineka never allowed obstacles to define her life.
Tineka moved to Paducah from Cleveland, Ohio, in 2010 to be closer to her mother and sister. Although the family is not originally from the area, they were each pulled to Paducah for different reasons. Tineka would make several trips throughout the year to visit her family. One day her husband at the time suggested that they uproot their lives and move to Paducah. This was a life-changing decision, but the couple agreed it was better to be close to loved ones. As much as she loves the area today, the transition from city life was not easy. The couple had to adjust to a different financial situation when their previous experience was not recognized at their new jobs. Alongside lower income levels, they encountered prejudice for the first time as an interracial couple. The strain became apparent, and the relationship ended in divorce. Despite the challenges it brought, Tineka says the divorce struck a fire within her.
She persevered, creating a life for herself here in Paducah. She began playing piano and singing for her church. A few years later, Tineka discovered she was pregnant with her first son. Her excitement to be a mother was undeniable. She had the overwhelming support of her church community and her family. Just two years later, she had another perfect little boy. She describes her sons as the biggest blessings and miracles in her life. The relationship with her sons’ father did not work, but she had what she describes as “God’s greatest treasure,” her children.
Despite working full time and raising two young boys as a single mother, Tineka made the brave decision to go back to school. She wanted to provide her boys with the best possible life. Tineka explains how she wouldn’t have been able to survive without the women at her church. She refers to them as her “village.”
“They brought us clothing, diapers, and toys. They would sit with the boys just so that I could take a shower.”
Although it was not easy, her life was beautiful. She was able to purchase a larger vehicle to accommodate the two car seats, strollers, and other necessities for a mom on the go. Unfortunately, life never goes as planned. Tragedy struck one day when Tineka lost her job. She tried to keep herself afloat, but with two kids, bills, and school, she needed a helping hand.
Tineka decided to reach out to the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army is an international ministry that works to provide assistance to communities and their members. They develop programming to offer immediate relief, short-term care, and long-term growth. The organization will provide assistance to individuals that have fallen on hard times, just like Tineka. She wanted to ensure her bills were paid, and her children were taken care of, leading her to call the Paducah Salvation Army location. However, their generosity must be handled carefully in order to ensure the long-term survival of the mission. She was denied help over the phone.
Tineka realized she needed to speak with them face to face so that they could see her character. Once she was there in person, her intentions became clear. She explained how she did not just want immediate assistance; she needed long-term support for her family – she needed a job. The Salvation Army not only provided help with her bills, but they decided to offer her a job. By the end of the week, she was working in the clothing department. Tineka discovered she enjoyed working with the clothes; she had fun styling outfits and loved being able to help people.
Nevertheless, Tineka still had two young boys. Childcare became a significant issue with her work schedule. She would often arrive late or have to leave early for her sons. Although she was a fantastic worker and management was understanding, they were required to let her go. Tineka was once again left without employment. She had to make the decision to apply for government assistance. She was placed on a three-year waitlist for Section 8, a program that provides assistance to low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. Although she wasn’t able to receive Section 8 yet, Tineka was able to begin receiving benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program (TANF) and The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Vouchers).
Data from June of 2018 shows that TANF provided life-changing support to 1.2 million families in the United States. This program benefited 835,655 adults and 2.4 million children by offering financial assistance for food, shelter, utilities, and other expenses.
While utilizing this program, Tineka was required to work or volunteer. She decided to return to the Salvation Army as a volunteer. She was able to resume her old position in the clothing department. The staff was thrilled to have her back. She continued working hard and providing the best possible life for her boys. Tineka also made the difficult decision to stop attending school. Financially, it was in the best interest of her family. Her priority had to be on supporting herself and her sons.
Tineka describes how fortunate she was to have compassionate landlords, “We were so blessed with unbelievable landlords. They were really flexible, understanding, and supportive. They would wait until I received the money and allow me to pay everything I owed.”
Before renting, Tineka and her boys lived in the housing authority, Elmwood Court. The goodness of her landlords allowed her to keep the family in a more suitable home. In the world today, kindness is often seen as a weakness. Compassion for an individual’s situation is viewed as “handouts.” Tineka was able to provide a home for her children for five years because of kindness and understanding.
One day, Tineka was approached by a member of management at the Salvation Army. They were wanting to hire her back on the team instead of having her as a volunteer. The only position she was aware of that was available was a janitorial position. Regardless, Tineka was excited about the opportunity. She had demonstrated to them that she was motivated and resilient. As the manager went on to describe the position, Tineka realized this was not a janitorial position. The Administrative Clerk had left the company, and they believed she was the perfect fit to take her place. Without hesitation, she jumped on board.
The position was transformative. The hours were perfect for her boys, and she managed it like a natural. It was only three months later when she received a promotion to Social Service Director. This position typically requires a Bachelor’s degree, and they had several qualified applicants, but the organization felt that Tineka was the best person for the job. Her dedication and hard work were worth more than a college degree.
Tineka’s life was beginning to turn around. She had an incredible job and finally began receiving the long-awaited Section 8 benefits. However, it was still not the life she pictured for her boys. Metaphorically, she was off of the ground, but she still wanted to get back on the horse. Since her boys were born, Tineka pictured raising them in a house. For many years, she was just thankful to have a roof over their heads, but now she wanted more. She longed for them to be able to run and play in their own backyard. Tineka knew her children deserved their own family home, but as a single mother, she was not able to provide that yet.
During a casual conversation one day, a friend told Tineka about Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. The organization works around the world in partnership with families in need of a decent place to live. Habitat homebuyers help build their own homes alongside volunteers and will pay an affordable mortgage. Tineka’s heart was filled with hope. She realized this program could allow her to raise her children in a house of their own. She immediately applied to be a recipient, but the application process had closed. She waited patiently until she was finally able to apply in August of 2018.
Through the process, she was able to tell her story. Representatives visited her home and asked her many questions. In September of 2018, Tineka discovered she had been selected out of the seventeen applicants. Over the next few months, her house was built. She was even able to customize the home to their needs. She received an interest-free loan and was able to move into the house in August of 2019.
While her home was being built, Tineka was growing more in her position as the Social Service Director at the Salvation Army. She was forming connections with individuals around the Paducah community and other charitable organizations in the area. In the summer of 2020, a colleague at another nonprofit told Tineka about a job opening up at the Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center. This organization works to improve the lives of individuals affected by domestic violence. From what this colleague knew of Tineka, she thought this job would be the perfect fit for her. Tineka applied and landed the title of Spiritual Enrichment Specialist at the Paducah Merryman House.
While it was hard for her to leave the Salvation Army, this new career path allowed her to minister to women in the community. She describes her position saying, “I can not believe I get to do this for a living; it doesn’t even feel like work. I am always around brilliant women, and I am growing.” Tineka is able to teach these women about boundaries and self-identity. She has found a career that she is truly passionate about.
Tineka’s journey doesn’t end there. She met a wonderful man, Stefan Fitzgerald, and the two quickly fell in love. She describes it as her “Quarantine Love” because they married in September of 2020 during the midst of the pandemic. Tineka also began her own business selling clothes on Facebook. Her passion for clothes began at the Salvation Army and transformed into a plus-size boutique titled Creative Fitz. In January 2021, she began hosting pop-up shops at Greater Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church. The pastor of the church, Pastor Alfred Anderson, is Tineka’s Godfather and has been incredibly supportive of her.
As interest in her business grew, she started considering moving into a building. On her way to work, she would pass by a vacant building full of random items. She often wondered if they were planning to clean it out and list it until one day she saw a “For Rent” sign in the window. She contacted the owner and set up a tour right away. Tineka and her husband prayed about the decision until she finally received her sign from God. They made the decision to move Creative Fitz off of Facebook and into the building. On July 2nd, she officially opened for business.
Tineka describes how there were so many times over the past few years she wanted to give up, “I felt like I couldn’t catch a break.” She goes on to say, “..but I know that God was there every step of the way. He has always provided double for my troubles.”
Everything that she has lost, God has replaced with something better. When asked about her goals for the future, she says, “there are no limits.” She hopes that her business will give back to the community. She wants to provide backpacks for children in need and host cookouts to feed the hungry. Her desire is to give back everything she has been given. Tineka also serves on the Board of Directors for The Salvation Army and performs as a lead vocalist with the band, Groovelane. Cliffton Davis is over the band and continues to support Tineka in her passion for singing. She loves being able to share her gift with the community, even performing as a headliner this past March for Women’s Month at The Carson Center.
Tineka is truly a success story. She is a great example of how the organizations and programs in the community can help individuals not only get back on their feet but thrive afterward. She might have been knocked off of the metaphoric horse, but she is now working to help others get back on. With a little assistance and a ton of perseverance, Tineka is now living the life she had always hoped for. A helping hand goes a long way.
If you are interested in supporting Tineka’s business, you can find her at Creative Fitz on Facebook or stop by 2217 Bridge St, Paducah, KY, 42003, Thursday through Saturday.
It is never too late for a fresh start.
