Category: Success Stories

Shana’s goal is to work as a Nurse Practitioner.

Shana recently informed staff in Rockland that she received a sizeable scholarship, and she has decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing at St. Joseph’s College. She told the staff that she would never have thought school would be possible for her without their support. Staff supported her success by providing resources to help with auto repair and transportation. Shana will graduate with an associate degree in Nursing this May. She is starting her bachelor’s degree full-time this summer program. The staff is supporting her to enroll in the Parents as Scholars program.

Rachel’s goal is to become a Nurse.

The Fedcap Rockland staff have been working with Rachel since last fall. When she enrolled, she was homeless and in the final months of a high-risk pregnancy while working 15 hours a week as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Staff helped Rachel with stabilizing her housing situation and they discussed options for further training and education in the healthcare field. Rachel applied and was accepted to UMaine Augusta’s nursing program. She now has a new home; a healthy baby and she will graduate with her nursing degree in January 2025.

Michael’s and Luisa’s goal is to pursue work in agriculture.

Michael and Luisa came to Fedcap earlier this year. They told staff that they were in a transition period and needed help since Michael had lost his job and did not qualify for unemployment. They told staff that they wanted to be homesteaders and sell products they make and grow, but they knew they would need income to help finance their goal. While meeting with staff, Michael and Luisa asked about different job openings in the area. Michael applied and was quickly hired at an area deli and the staff provided resources to aid him with the commute to work. Luisa is currently completing career development classes and working with staff to plan her next steps. Michael reported that he enjoys his new job and is learning a lot about what it takes to run a business.

Sophia’s goal is to work in Healthcare Information Technology.

Sophia, a participant in Lewiston, enrolled in this month’s Healthcare OnRamp. When instructors noted that she showed strong analytical and technology skills, she told them that she had previously studied Information Technology but had not completed her degree. Staff introduced Sophia to a Talent Acquisition Manager from the Veterans Administration to discuss a position with them in Healthcare Information Technology. Sophia is currently completing the application and background check for this position. The staff is encouraging her to complete her bachelor’s degree in information technology as well.

Nicole’s goal is to work as a Domestic Violence Advocate.

Nicole is a single parent who enrolled with the Houlton Opportunity Center this month. She had recently fled domestic abuse and she reported to staff that she felt “lost and hopeless.” Staff connected Nicole with resources for domestic violence, including counseling and legal advocacy support. She also started to take part in career development classes and interviewed with an organization for a Domestic Violence Advocate position. Nicole told staff that this opportunity would allow her to use her personal experience to successfully guide and support others. She said, “I have been so lucky to have such amazing people supporting me. Between Fedcap and my family, I feel it is time for me to give back to others.

Lisa’s goal is to be an accountant.

When Lisa enrolled with Fedcap in early 2022, she had recently fled a domestic violence situation and she had been living in hotels with her newborn and toddler with special needs. Though she had recently found stable housing, Lisa had told staff she was still in “survival mode,” and it was difficult for her to think about further education or a career. Staff told her that she could take a leave from the program to focus on caring for herself and her children. When Lisa’s Career Specialist checked in with her this month, Lisa reported that she was “great” and that she had enrolled at Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) to earn her associate’s degree in business management. She said after she completes her associate’s degree, she plans to get her accounting degree at the University of Maine at Orono. Lisa has completed her financial aid application and she will start at EMCC in May. Staff is talking with her about the Parents as Scholars program, and she is now working on getting her driver’s license.

Violetta’s goal is to work in a Public School.

Violetta enrolled with the Caribou Opportunity Center in 2018. Since that time, staff has supported her with completing English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes and a bachelor’s degree through the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico. Once she got her degree, staff arranged a paid internship for her with Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) to help her gain experience in the education field. During her internship, Violetta’s car stopped running and the part needed to fix it was no longer available. Staff searched local salvage yards to find the part and called every local mechanic to find someone to make the repair. Once a mechanic was found, ACAP offered to pay for the repair. Unfortunately, the car could not be repaired so Fedcap staff and ACAP worked together to combine resources to cover Violetta’s weekly public transportation costs. Violetta was recently offered a position with the local school district. With her higher wages, Violetta is now saving for a new vehicle.

Lidia’s goal is to work in Business Finance.

Lidia enrolled with the Biddeford Opportunity Center after leaving a domestic violence situation. She needed stable housing for herself and her young child. Staff referred her to area housing organizations and Lidia eventually found an apartment through Phoenix Management. She was also determined to return to school to complete her degree in Business Administration. She had previously attended college but did not complete a degree. To get ready, staff recommended that Lidia attend a college preparation course with Saco/ Old Orchard Beach Adult Education. Not long after completing the course, Lidia announced to staff that she was accepted to Southern Maine Community College and that her classes would be starting this summer. She is currently working with staff to enroll in the Parents as Scholars (PaS) program.

Joanne’s goal is to promote within an Occupational Therapy office.

When Joanne called the Augusta staff, she sounded distraught. She told them that she had lost her job and she was concerned about losing momentum and falling back into depression. Staff invited her onsite to conduct a job search to maintain a routine and keep her focused on the next steps. While onsite, staff spent time talking with Joanne about what she thought led to her job loss and what type of job and environment might be a better fit. Based on her feedback, the staff provided Joanne with some job leads and within one week, she had three interviews and a job shadow. Her preferred company then contacted her with an offer, and she contacted staff who coached her on how to negotiate a higher salary. Joanne called staff back within an hour. She excitedly told them that the company agreed to her salary request and that it was the first time she had ever felt brave enough to ask for a higher salary.

Daniela’s goal is to become a Medical Assistant.

Daniela is a single mom who has been working with the Fedcap staff in Calais for about two and a half years. She recently gained employment on the Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Reservation. When staff asked Daniela about her new job, which involves helping people, she told them that her jobs in the past never “called” to her and she wants to make this job a long-term career. For her transition to work, Daniela received aid with mileage, car repairs, and work attire. When Daniela was notified that her TANF benefits were ending, she told staff that it was a great feeling to financially support herself and her daughter without needing to rely on TANF.