FRISCO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Rent-A-Center, Inc. (NASDAQ/NGS:RCII), the nation’s largest rent-to-own operator, surprised 37-year-old Leilani Ferguson last week by giving the single mom a kitchen, living room and laundry room makeover.

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Ferguson was chosen to receive new LG electronics appliances and Ashley Furniture by Frisco Family Services, a non-profit that helps families faced with hunger, abuse and homelessness become self-sufficient, thriving members of the community.

“I was struggling to keep my home,” said Ferguson in a two-minute video of the surprise. “Not knowing how to budget, not knowing how to cook, and not knowing simple things you learn as a little girl because I’ve had an abusive past.”

After leaving an abusive marriage, Ferguson enrolled in Frisco Family Services Intensive Self Sufficiency Program (ISSP), which focuses on empowering individuals and families to become self-sufficient through intensive case-management, mentoring, education, resources and accountability to help attain life goals.

“She has really overcome a lot and now she’s a completely different person from when she first walked in,” said Priscilla Haros, bilingual case manager for Frisco Family Services. “She’s really turned her life around. She’s an inspiration to all of us.”

The surprise giveaway is part of Rent-A-Center’s corporate giving initiatives made possible by partnerships with non-profits, vendors, and its own marketing and community relations departments.

“At Rent-A-Center, we believe everyone should have access to food and that every family deserves the opportunity to be the best they can be,” said Gina Hethcock, senior manager of public and community relations. “Our charitable giving efforts are aligned with the desire to empower families and help them thrive.”

About Frisco Family Services - The mission of Frisco Family Services is to help families of Frisco and Frisco ISD who are facing hunger, homelessness and other urgent needs, improve their quality of life and achieve self-sufficiency. FFS houses the only food pantry in Frisco and offers financial assistance for critical needs such as rent/mortgage, gasoline and utility payments.

About Rent-A-Center - A rent-to-own industry leader, Plano, Texas-based, Rent-A-Center, Inc. is focused on improving the quality of life for its customers by providing them the opportunity to obtain ownership of high-quality, durable products such as consumer electronics, appliances, computers, furniture and accessories, under flexible rental purchase agreements with no long-term obligation.

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