Teacher Spotlight: Michelle Mancillas
Michelle Mancillas, an early childhood educator in Vista, California, has spent her career creating a stable, nurturing environment for the children in her care. But behind the scenes, Michelle and her own family were facing a heartbreaking reality—they were experiencing homelessness.
Despite working closely with a state social worker and doing everything right to access support, Michelle was unable to move forward due to several months of unpaid back rent. That debt stood between her family and the safe, stable housing they so desperately needed.
That’s when she turned to BOOST.
BOOST stepped in to eliminate the back rent, clearing the path for Michelle and her family to secure housing and start rebuilding their lives.
“For the past six months, we have faced homelessness,” Michelle shares. “I am now able to stabilize my family but would not be able to without the financial assistance we received through BOOST.”
Even as she showed up for her students with dedication and heart, Michelle was carrying the weight of housing insecurity. Her story is a powerful reminder that even the most committed educators are not immune to financial hardship—and that with the right support, transformation is possible.
Thanks to BOOST’s grant, Michelle and her family now have a place to call home. With the uncertainty behind her, she can move forward with renewed strength—both as a mother and an educator.
“Without this opportunity, our stability of housing would be uncertain,” she says. “Thank you all, to everyone at BOOST.”
Michelle’s journey is just one of many that reveal the life-changing impact of BOOST. When we lift the burden of financial crisis from teachers’ shoulders, we empower them to be fully present in the classroom—and in life. Because no educator should have to choose between their calling and their family’s stability.
If you employ a teacher who is facing a financial hardship, BOOST is here to help.