A Mother’s Journey

A MOTHER’S JOURNEY TO SUCCESS

I am a 32-year-old mom of three kids, and I was a teen mother. I dropped out of high school, got my GED and went straight to work to provide for my son. As much as I wanted to go back to school, I didn’t because I thought I didn’t have enough time. I kept working to provide a decent living in low paying jobs.

One day at work while helping in a restraint of a client, I was pushed and hit my head on a metal table and chair. As a result, I had a brain injury and was diagnosed with epilepsy. I felt like my life was over. I got depressed, because I loved my intelligence, and I didn’t feel smart anymore. I felt like I wasn’t a good mother and spiraled deeper into depression. A relative of mine told me about Women@Work Plus. When I started the classes, I thought I was going to fail, but I didn’t. They gave me skills to prepare for work. I felt a fire igniting within me. They helped me with my interview skills. I took a college course from Bunker Hill Community College through the Bridge to Community College collaboration with Women@Work Plus. My dream of going back to school was finally a reality!

The staff in Women@Work Plus sent me on an interview with John Hancock Financial, where I have been working for over a year now. Honestly, I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for the Center. I now have some college experience, and I will be continuing my education through Bunker Hill in accounting. This fall, I will attend my first homebuyer’s class. I can provide for my family, and more importantly I’ve gotten myself back, and I am able to be the mom I used to be.

There are many women that step through the doors of the Center. Every one of our stories is different. Some are teen mothers, victims of abuse, or women needing a push in the right direction. St. Mary’s Center helps us in finding that path. I’ve seen staff go out of their way to help the women in their programs. St. Mary’s Center really cares about us and want the best for us, even when we cannot see the light within ourselves. I’ve said this before and I believe it with all my heart, St. Mary’s Center is a beacon of hope. They’ve given me the strength to not be afraid of the future and to keep pushing myself for what I want to achieve in life.

–Tiffany White, Graduate Women@Work Plus Program