Author: Michael Bernier

When Janine recently enrolled at the Opportunity Center in Brewer, she shared that she was expecting a child and she had recently separated from her husband in part due to an unstable housing situation. Despite her challenges Janine immediately set her focus on engaging in further education. With some guidance from staff, she enrolled in the Penn Foster Medical Coding program. To get a computer for class, staff referred her to Give IT, Get IT and she is now waiting for her laptop to arrive and then she will begin her studies.

When Jim enrolled this year, he told staff he wanted to be an electrician, but he did not know how to get started towards his goal. In April, he completed his Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) at Augusta Opportunity Center. His results supported his potential for further education and staff worked closely with him to complete a college application and financial aid for the upcoming semester. A few weeks later, Jim reported he had been accepted to Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC). He begins coursework in the Fall 2022 semester towards his goal of becoming an electrician.

I wanted to update you I have been busy with Certified Nurse’s Assistant classes. I should  be starting clinicals next week. I am going to reach out to Highview Nursing Home, I decided  to work for them, so I need to talk to the Director of Nursing and get that arranged. I could  not have made this dream come true without you and I just want to thank you for that. I am  finally going to be able to support my family and do a job I always wanted to do. I also would  like to pay back everything when I start working so others too can have the chance to realize  their dream, so please let me know how I can help others. Again, thank you for everything  you have done. Dreams do come true with the help of working with angels.

-Fort Kent Participant

James (seen left) has been working with Staff and attending Houlton Adult Education Center to complete his High School credential. This month staff was notified that James has successfully completed his course work and passed his High School Equivalency Test (HiSET).He is now planning to take a summer course in math and start the Plumbing and Heating course at Northern Maine Community College this fall. James told staff that he is thankful to be eligible for free tuition through the supplemental budget recently signed by Governor Mills.

Damien is married father of two children, originally from Democratic Republic of Congo. He and his family arrived in Portland Maine in the Fall of 2021. Damien graduated from our first Manufacturing OnRamp program in December and since that time he has been working to complete his high school credential. Damien has been diligent about his studies and meets weekly in-person with Catherine Glynn from Scarborough Adult Education. Damien is also continuing to strengthen his English language skills through his courses with Portland Adult Education. Once Damien completes his high school credential, he plans to further his education at Southern Maine Community College and become an electrician

When Christine enrolled with Families Forward, she and her partner had a newborn, and both were enrolled in education programs. Christine and her partner eventually separated, and she assumed sole responsibility for their baby. Christine began exploring a variety of career paths including nursing, medical billing and coding and counseling. She told staff that she needed to be able to provide a secure future for her child. Staff supported her to pursue her educational goals and after some time at a community college, Christine is now attending University of Southern Maine working towards a degree in psychology. She is enrolled in the Parents as Scholars (PaS) program and has a 3.67 grade point average. She plans to take a full schedule of classes over the summer with a goal to graduate in spring 2023 and afterwards work as a counselor or case manager. Her future goal is to eventually complete a doctorate program and go into research. Christine recently shared with staff that she has a significant history of trauma and she felt that she was not worthy of having good things in her life. But, when she started working with Families Forward, her first Career Specialist inspired her and made her feel like she could experience success.

Jonathan has worked with the Skowhegan Opportunity Center for over a year. During that time, he completed Career Development classes and spent time onsite job searching because he did not have a computer or internet at home. He told staff that he wanted a well- paying job with hours that would allow him time with his four children. Jonathan also spent many hours volunteering at the ReStore in Waterville and going on interviews. This month Jonathan began working at a waste management company with a starting wage of $27.00 an hour and a schedule that allows him ample time with his children.

Felice, a participant with the Skowhegan Opportunity Center, graduated this month with her bachelor’s in psychology from Southern New Hampshire University. She completed this degree while also working two jobs. She recently interviewed with Crossroads Case Management and has expressed an interest in a Career Specialist position with Families Forward. She has also been accepted to a master’s degree program through the University of Southern California. To support Felice over the last few years, staff provided her with transportation and childcare assistance to allow her the time to study and work

Kathy enrolled with the Rockland Opportunity Center earlier this year when her husband became ill and he could no longer work. She had been a stay-at-home mother for many years and told staff that she immediately planned to reenter the University of Maine to complete her degree in secondary education and she did. Kathy recently told staff in Rockland that she has a 3.7 grade point average and that she joined the policy board for the local school district. She relayed that her child was once a victim of bullying, and it was her mission to end bullying. She also started a support group for families that have children in the district that were victims of bullying. Staff also referred her to Penquis for assistance with property taxes and to Sweetser for family counselling. Despite her many challenges, she told staff that she is eager to become a teacher and “put some good out in this world.”

Amanda who works with the Rockland Opportunity Center had to drop out of college to flee a domestic abuse situation with her infant. She has since been settled in a safe environment and working with counselors and advocates. Amanda was recently accepted into a full-time nursing program, and she will soon be starting full-time classes. Staff helped her to apply to the PaS (Parents as Scholars) program and to help support her educational goals, they will be providing supports to her for childcare, transportation, auto repair and tuition assistance. Staff also referred her to Build HOPE to help pay for her past education bills, which would make her eligible for financial aid in the future.