A Bellevue mother who once practiced medicine overseas is working as a medical interpreter after receiving housing, clothing and career support through Bellevue LifeSpring's Family Support Program.

The nonprofit published the woman's story on Tuesday, Sept. 15, using pseudonyms to protect the family's privacy.

In Bellevue LifeSpring's account, the mother, called "Elif," came to the organization after a difficult divorce, looking to rebuild stability for herself and her children, who attend Bellevue School District schools. All names in the account were changed, and stock images were used, per the organization's disclosure.

The support started with basics. Elif's children received back-to-school clothing through the nonprofit's Clothes-4-Kids program. When she faced financial hardship, the organization provided rental assistance.

After her apartment flooded and sustained damage, Bellevue LifeSpring helped cover some of the unexpected costs.

Before relocating to the United States, Elif had earned a medical degree and worked as a doctor. Through the Family Support Program, she set a goal of returning to the medical field. Bellevue LifeSpring covered the cost of certification exams to become a medical interpreter.

Elif is now working as a medical interpreter, using her medical training and language skills to support patients.

"She had the determination and goals; she just needed someone in her corner to provide encouragement, guidance, and support along the way," said the woman's Family Support Administrator, identified as Ruby in the account.

The Family Support Program pairs families one-on-one with a dedicated administrator to work toward long-term self-sufficiency. To qualify, parents must have at least one child under 18, live within Bellevue School District boundaries and meet household income requirements.

Bellevue LifeSpring reports that one in four students in the district experiences food insecurity and more than 700 students experience homelessness. Those figures come from the nonprofit's website and have not been independently verified.

Families interested in the program can find details on the organization's website, where Bellevue LifeSpring says it has served local families for more than a century.