Author: Michael Bernier

Lorie, a mother to a toddler, recently completed certificate programs for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Residential Medication Aid (CRMA) and Personal Support Specialist (PSS) through Axiom Adult Education. She did very well in her courses, getting a 95% or better in each of them. During the last month of classes, staff helped Lorie with updating her resume and practicing her interviewing skills. After interviews with several employers, she chose a position with an area nursing facility. She told staff that she enjoys the challenges of her new job and her coworkers.

Lanie is an 18-year-old parent who has been enrolled at the Lewiston Opportunity Center for a short time. When she enrolled, she shared with staff that she had experienced trauma in her life and could not rely on others. She also told staff that she did not want to let her children down. Her Career Specialist referred her to the Wayfinder School and their Passage Program to complete her high school diploma and build life skills. Lanie recently completed three weeks of exploratory classes and she will soon be starting her initial 10-weeks of programming tailored to her specific needs. She told staff that she is excited to be able to attend this school and stated, “I want to inspire other teen parents to not give up and believe in yourself.”

Jen told staff in Ellsworth that she was having health issues and was unable to pay her heating bills this winter. She had already exhausted her fuel assistance and staff aided her by making phone calls and identifying a company that would fill her tank and allow her to pay over time. Recently Jen thanked staff for their assistance and reported that she had gotten a full-time job, paying well above minimum wage at the Grist Glove Company

Tarek began working with the Portland Opportunity Center in early 2021. Tarek and his family are originally from Pakistan, and he is a father to two children. Tarek speaks English fluently as well as five other languages. Prior to the pandemic, he owned a business at the Maine Mall, but he was forced to close it. Tarek has been an outstanding student in our IT OnRamp program with plans to complete IT credentials though CompTIA in May. This month, Tarek passed his citizenship exam, and he will soon be receiving United States citizenship.

Lindsey, a participant with the Sanford Opportunity Center and her four young children have experienced domestic violence. She is currently working with a domestic violence organization focusing on getting the support she needs for herself and her children. For over a year now, Lindsey has been employed at an area restaurant and she was recently promoted. She told staff that her goal is to eventually become manager of the restaurant and once that happens, she would like to talk with other participants about her experience and offer them jobs.

Aarif who recently arrived from Afghanistan told his Career Specialist in Lewiston that he found a job in Portland, but he may not be able to accept it because he does not have transportation. His Career Specialist asked Aarif if he could find someone willing to provide him with rides and we could assist with the cost. The next day Aarif called back and shared that some friends offered to carpool with him and that he was so happy that he could now go to work.

When Tammy enrolled at the Lewiston Opportunity Center, she told staff that she always wanted to work in an office environment, but never had an opportunity to do that. Her Career Specialist encouraged her to become an intern at the Lewiston site to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of an Administrative Assistant and explore what it is like to work in an office environment. Tammy has since become an intern and she is scheduled to interview for the Administrative Assistant position. Tammy told staff recently how she appreciated their support and the skills she has learned and said, “I can’t wait to be a part of the Fedcap family.”

David and Judy have been working with the Farmington Opportunity Center for several years. When David was in an accident last fall, he sustained many injuries, which left him unable to work and unable to care for himself. Staff assisted the family by granting them Good Cause and providing them with resources to help David apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They also helped the family file for an extension of their benefits and arranged for Judy to stay home to care for David. David recently contacted the office to reported that he had been approved for SSI and thank staff for their support.

After leaving an abusive relationship Ashley and her three children had been living in a homeless shelter for over a year. During this time, staff help her to enroll in a medical assisting class and find an apartment big enough for her family. She is now living more than 30 miles away from her classes and staff have provided her with transportation supports so she can complete her clinical requirements and graduate in June.

When Liz, a mother of three, enrolled in services at the Calais Opportunity Center in 2018, she struggled with substance use which impacted her family’s stability for several years. Last year, she committed to her recovery, and she has now achieved a year of sobriety. She also recently completed our Career Development, Power of Possible classes and got a part-time job at an area restaurant. She told staff that she is proud of the progress she has made, and the part-time job is part of her recovery plan. Staff have helped her with transportation and arranging childcare to help her go to work and engage in her supports.