I know that we have all heard the saying “With Faith All Things are Possible,” but for me, it really came through. Or actually, is in the process of coming through.
I hit hard times about ten months ago now. I was a stay-at-home mom. I lived in a nice little house in a very nice small town. Then suddenly, my world seemed to crash in around me. The father of my children, we never married, became addicted to some certain medications. These medications made him the most awful person I had ever met. I didn’t know what to do with myself or the situation because I had never experienced anything like it before. I ended up asking him to leave. Our kids deserved better. They did not need the stress of us arguing all the time. I had to move in with my parents and I sold the house. It was in my name, because I had purchased it before we met. But that money ran out fast. I had to go on food stamps, Medicaid, and even TANF. Things I said I would never do. But I had to take care of my children, and my parents could only afford to help me so much.
When I received my first TANF payment, I got a letter in the mail that said to report to the Workforce Center. This is not just a hand-out any longer, they make you work for it. If you have an exemption, you also get awarded incentives. As long as you do your scheduled amount of hours per week. I started on exempt status and my incentive was a $250 gift card every week to Wal Mart. This was a blessing in itself, because it allowed me that extra push every week to buy diapers and clothes for my children. I will do anything that I have to do for them.
Saying that, I had taken an entrance exam for an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) Program in March. Passing the test did not guarantee you a spot but it at least got you in for consideration. Then you had to send in transcripts and even a resume. I got all of my information sent, and applied for FAFSA. I will always remember the day I got my award letter, $7,356. I literally broke into tears. I was not expecting that at all. But there were 400 applicants or 85 spots. So I have waited, for 3 months. Then, on June 16 I checked my mail. There was the letter - We are pleased to announce that you have been accepted in to the vocational nursing program for the 2009–2010 academic year. Again, I cried, or actually bawled really. I was ecstatic.
I am still doing my hours at the Workforce Center for my TANF. They have actually put me on work experience status, which means that I help where help is needed in the office. They also provide daycare for my two children. Which is awesome. They go to a wonderful center and are learning more than I ever imagined. I start LVN school on August. I plan to make it to the top of my class.
I would never have had the opportunities that I have had without the Workforce Center. There is more to the place than just finding jobs. The people there really care. I always kept faith, although it dwindled at times, that everything would work out for the best. And it did, better than the best. I am finally getting to live my dream. I want to work as a pediatric nurse. And I would also love to counsel young women who are in the system, and let them know that there is a way out. Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed my story. It will be continued though. “Keep the FAITH.”
