Success in Aroostook County

Jeremy who had struggled with maintaining employment in the past recently got a job. To ensure a successful transition to work staff helped Jeremy with resources for work clothes for work and getting his car insured and registered. Jeremy is now working 35 hours a week and he is working with his Career Specialist to find a High School Equivalency Test (HiSet) preparation course that accommodates his work schedule.

Success in Waldo County

Holly graduated this month from a two-year nursing program through Central Maine Community College. She also traveled to Boston to take her National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and passed. In June she will begin her summer semester at St Joseph’s to pursue her bachelor’s in nursing (BSN). She did so well in her classes that she was asked by the Central Maine Community College president to speak at her graduation ceremony. Her final GPA was 3.75. Holly stated in her e-mail to staff that her education “would not be possible without Fedcap.” She went on to say that she is the first generation in her family to complete a degree and go on to pursue her bachelor’s degree. She said that she believes that she is breaking the mold in her family and her achievements will allow her children to believe they can also achieve a college education.

Success in Cumberland County

Liana enrolled in Families Forward in South Portland last fall. Since that time, she has received her driver’s license, graduated from the HealthCare OnRamp, and she is now volunteering at an area nursing facility while she awaits her work authorization. Staff assisted Liana with receiving her first pair of prescription eyeglasses, which she never had before, professional clothing, and public transportation assistance. She plans on a career in healthcare once she receives her work authorization.

Success in Cumberland County

Stacey graduated this month with an associate degree in Nursing from Central Maine Community College. She accomplished her goal within one year as CMCC accepted her pre-requisite courses from other colleges. Stacey was enrolled in the PAS program, and she will take the State Nursing Boards next month. Stacey is now applying to Southern Maine University for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as she wants to be able to work for Maine Medical in Portland. Maine Medical requires a BSN and five years of employment. Her plan is to work part-time as a medical assistant while she completes her degree.

Success in Oxford County

When Amanda first met with her Career Specialist in South Paris, she shared that her long- term goals were to become a licensed real estate agent and renovate homes to sell them. Staff reached out to Fontaine Real Estate to learn more about the process of becoming a real estate agent and what opportunities the Fontaine group might have available. They offered to discuss opportunities with Amanda and shared with her what it takes to make real estate a successful career. Staff also connected Amanda with The Real Estate Institute of New England to research their home study sales agent course. After much thought and research, Amanda decided that for the immediate future, it would be best for her to get more experience in renovations and construction. Amanda secured a job at Hancock Lumber where she is making $21.00 an hour. She was able to negotiate her schedule around her children’s childcare and she told staff that she likes her new job. Amanda and her Career Specialist are looking into schools in Maine that offer certificate programs in construction management as she would like to learn more about becoming a project manager for a construction company.

Success in Somerset County

A few months ago, staff assisted Sarah with getting an internship at an area assisted living facility. She was taking an online course to become an activities director and needed the internship to receive her credentials. This month Sarah received her certification and was hired by her internship site to run activities for their seniors.

Success in Somerset County

Allyson completed career development classes and graduated from the Manufacturing OnRamp. She completed the certified manufacturing course for the state of Maine and a national manufacturing certification. Staff assisted her with the cost of the course and with transportation funds to get to class. With her new credentials, staff is assisting Allyson with finding employment in the field of manufacturing.

Success in York County

John enrolled at the Sanford Opportunity Center recently after working in manual labor jobs for the past 25 years. He told staff that he could no longer perform that type of work due to health issues. His Career Specialist talked encouraged John to take Power of Possible, career development while he looked for a job. John reluctantly agreed to attend classes and told staff he had learning disabilities so he would probably not be successful. John completed classes successfully. He also had perfect attendance and received exceptional feedback on his practice interviewing. After Power of Possible, John enrolled in the IT OnRamp. Every day he attended classes onsite after taking the bus and walking about a half a mile to the Sanford office. He completed the course successfully and his next step is to complete a 12-week CompTIA program for credentials in the IT field this fall.

Success in Washington County

In the Middle of May, Loren notified staff in Machias that she had obtained a position at an area assisted living facility. She had interviewed and the facility wanted her to start work immediately. To help her staff made work support requests for scrubs and mileage to and from her work. As Loren was going to work, she was also notified that her TANF case was closing. Staff quickly worked with staff from Office of Family Independence (OFI) to resolve the issue so Loren could benefit from transitional supports as she started her new job.

Success in Androscoggin County

Warren recently completed the Healthcare OnRamp. With the information he learned from the program, he decided to enroll in the Pharmacy Technician Program at Academy of Medical Professions. He will be starting classes in late June.