Participant Success Story: Eugenia Gaffney

Eugenia Gaffney, SENPH Participant

Eugenia Gaffney’s journey in farm work began as a young girl, spending summers in the fields with her great-uncle picking field peas alongside her cousins. What felt like simple summer work at the time planted the seeds of a strong work ethic rooted in family, tradition, and resilience. She also grew up watching her family gather pine straw from her grandfather’s pine trees each year, witnessing firsthand the hard labor that sustained generations before her.

During a particularly difficult season in her life, Eugenia stepped into that same pine straw work herself to provide for her family. That opportunity came exactly when she needed it most, helping her survive a challenging time and reminding her of the strength she carries from those who came before her.

Today, Eugenia is a single mother of two children and is currently pursuing an Associate Degree in Science of Nursing at Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia, Georgia. She began her studies on August 18, 2025, driven by the desire to build a better future not only for herself but for her children.

Through the support of Southeast Non-Profit Housing, Eugenia has been able to turn generations of farm work, sacrifice, and perseverance into a pathway toward higher education and stability. Her story is a reflection of the enduring legacy of Black farmworkers — a legacy of strength, determination, and hope — and stands as a powerful reminder during Black History Month that when communities invest in one another, futures are changed.