Alyssa proves just how far a little encouragement and belief in oneself can go. At age 20, Alyssa, a single parent with one child, did not have transportation and had never worked before. Knowing she needed support, she connected to a program that helps teen parents on the Minnesota Family Investment Program develop job skills and find work.
Through her work with the Minnesota Family Investment Program, Alyssa realized she was not alone; she could get a job and learn how to take care of herself and her child. She started her work training experience at the White Earth Child Care Center, in Mahnomen, Minn., where she received support and encouragement from the staff. In fact, a worksite staff member gave her a ride to and from work each day and supported Alyssa as she studied for her driver’s permit test.
Alyssa felt the care from project staff, and found their attitudes toward her uplifting.
“After my evaluation with my worksite supervisor and employment counselor, and I heard how good I was doing and how helpful I was to the child care center, it made it easier for me to be strong and continue on the work training," said Alyssa. "The worksite staff asked what I thought and they took some of my ideas and used them. This made me believe in myself.”
Alyssa's positive experience at the child care center taught her that she can get out and work. With her newfound confidence, she completed and passed an online Personal Care Attendant training and began working in White Earth through Circle Life Anishinaabe a home health care service in Mahnomen.
Alyssa also enrolled in the Early Childhood and Paraprofessional Education program at Minnesota State Community and Technical College.
Through state services, Alyssa received the tools to help her believe in herself and become self-sufficient.
