Determination pays off.

Connie Broady, 38, knows that too well. A single parent of two children, Broady has encountered numerous obstacles in her attempts to become self-sufficient.

Job to job, no transportation, overwhelming debts, and other factors seemingly hindered any chances of upward mobility. But Broady had dreams despite what appeared to be a bleak future.

On Friday, Broady was among 13 public housing and Section 8 residents recognized by the Suffolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority for employment and/or academic achievements; 35 public school students were presented awards for meriting honor roll during the past school year.

Among the successes, Broady owns and operates a day care from her Jordan Avenue home. She has met the state’s regulatory requirements to be listed as a voluntarily registered home day care provider. Broady can care for up to five children during the same time frame, and must submit to periodic reviews from licensing officials. She had spent four years working in a childcare center.

Now her life is significantly different as opposed to previously not knowing how she would consistently support her family.

&uot;It’s been hard and rough over the years,&uot; said Broady, a Section 8 resident who benefits from federally subsidized payments toward her monthly rent. &uot;I was losing jobs behind transportation and day care, but I got myself together.&uot;

She completed the state program a year ago, but had not aggressively recruited children to fill slots when she lost her job at Planter’s last year. Not only that, but Broady’s car had been repossessed. Things were at its lowest, she recalled, but then added, &uot;The Lord blessed me to get a car, and the day after I lost my job I got a call about taking three kids.&uot;

Broady receives referrals from Suffolk Social Services, and looks forward to her business expanding in the future. For right now, she loves what she’s doing – and the fact that it’s on her terms.

&uot;I can be home and work, and be therefor my daughter,&uot; she said. &uot;I don’t have to worry about any more bosses and co-workers. I knew there was a higher calling on my life, but I just needed to keep the faith. I’ve been wanting to be in business for myself a long time.&uot;

Among other residents’ achievements recognized include the receipt of GEDs, certified nurses’ aide training, and automated office skills. The event drew a full house at the East Suffolk Community Center where the fun-packed night featured a four-some dubbed the &uot;SRHA Women In Black,&uot; who humorously redefined rap music with their performance.

After presenting awards to all of the recipients, SRHA Executive Director Clarissa E. McAdoo said, &uot;It’s so important that we support our children…Education is so important. It is what has held us together as a people.&uot;

School Board member John R. Riddick told the honorees, &uot;Education is power. Work hard because tomorrow is coming.&uot;

SRHA Board Commissioners Connie Wiggins and Thelma Hinton were present at the affair.