We CHANGE lives. The following are some heartwarming stories that are examples of why we do what we do…

Mary Ann was living in a shelter and very depressed. During the class, she told the teacher she had felt that her life had no direction, but after taking the class for a few weeks, she was excited about the new direction her life was taking. Mary Ann is in the process of moving out to an apartment and is no longer depressed. She has been happily employed for 2 months now.

Antonia, who speaks multiple languages, encountered a woman at her adult day care job who has dementia. Her condition made it very difficult for the staff to care for her. When she is taken to use the toilet, the woman would take off her clothes because she thought she was getting a bath. Antonia took the initiative to speak to the woman in her native language – French – to see if she could communicate. It worked, and the woman understood. Antonia felt great about really helping someone and her colleagues were appreciative of her efforts.

Maria had a Spanish-speaking patient at the nursing home for her hands-on practical training. The man had been depressed for a long time. He would not get dressed nor would he get up. No one at the nursing home could speak Spanish and they did not know what to do. When Maria showed up, she talked to him in his native tongue, and very quickly, the staff noticed changes in his behavior. The man started getting dressed and was a lot more outgoing and willing to participate in activities.

Alice was on the streets when she first started the program. She was evicted from her apartment because she could not afford rent. Her social worker often gave her food stamps to help her get by. Alice was extremely depressed and lacked self-confidence. Over the course of the training however, she worked diligently and experienced success that helped her enhance her self-esteem. Alice is currently employed and she now aspires to a degree in nursing. She attributes her self-improvement directly to the Institute’s training program.

Micheline, who hails from Africa, loves her work as a home health aide. When she first went to the Red Cross to inquire about CNA/HHA training courses, she was discouraged by the price tag--$800, money she did not have. However, the Red Cross referred her to the Institute, and by way of a grant from your Foundation, she was able to participate in our program.

Cynthia came from Ghana and worked for $8.50 an hour at a parking garage. She did not really enjoy the job, but she had little choice. Now, she is making $12.50/hour and aspires to continue her education to become a licensed practical nurse.

Saba, who owned a store with her husband in Ethiopia, had previously worked at a nursing home as a dining staff and wanted to become a certified nursing assistant. Living in subsidized housing and only holding a high school diploma, life was not easy for her. Even though Saba was diffident and had struggled with her English when she started, her confidence increased by the end of the program. She has encouraged her husband to apply to our September 2006 class and he is currently scheduled to attend.

Margaret came to the Institute unemployed, on welfare, and living in subsidized housing. Her husband is disabled and cannot work. Margaret also has two children and takes care of her ill elderly aunt. Being the sole breadwinner of the family, Margaret faced tremendous pressure and hardship. The program at the Institute gave her hope and an opportunity to pursue a career. She is now making $12.30/hour and will get a 50-cent raise next month. Margaret’s long term goal is to become a nurse.

Anna, a mother, was so happy to be employed in health care after being trained for it. Her husband cannot work, so she is the bread winner for the family. Our program manager watched her confidence build as she reached the end of the program. She is someone important and respected both at work and at home. It shows in the big smile she wears.