Rebecca is a 20 year old mother, student and employee. A year ago Rebecca was in government housing raising her son, who was born with Downs Syndrome and pregnant with another child on the way. Rebecca knew she needed to make some changes to be able to be successful and change the lives of her children.
Rebecca enrolled in Oconee County Adult Education’s GED program. At the time of enrollment, Rebecca came into the program with strong test scores, but needed additional support to be able to achieve her goals. Rebecca knew that she wanted to finish her education so she could better her life and the life of her children. Rebecca started working on her GED at the end of August 2011. She had accomplished her first goal of passing her GED in October 2011. Rebecca was able to juggle the responsibilities of parenting and school and was eager to continue.
In addition to GED classes, Rebecca also started the Palmetto Youth Connections program. She earned many incentives while in the program such as:
- Transportation stipend
- Work Keys certification and $50 incentive for it
- PYC paid for the GED test and also gave her a $150 bonus for passing it
- NIOSH safety training and $25 bonus for it
- Resume training and $25 bonus for it
- TCTC admissions fee paid for and incentive of $100 for attending and also a lap top computer
- Paid work experience at the Tribble Center
Rebecca worked very hard in classes, but still needed some extra guidance to support her. She is a very young mother of a child with special needs, and an infant. Her career coach referred her to the Ripple of One mentoring program. Through this program, she began working one-on-one with a mentor. They provide education regarding financial freedom, and parenting. They also give incentives to the parents in their program.
Rebecca is enrolled in college, and also working a part time job with our work experience program. She has interest in the health/sciences field, therefore her placement is at the Tribble Center where her son goes for therapy.
Rebecca has continued to attend Tri County Tech. She is a full time student working towards her Associate degree in nursing. With studying, classes and work she still has found time to be an excellent mother and role model for her children.
Rebecca also had the support of the Ripple of One Mentoring Program, from which she recently graduated with $9,000 in a savings account and being completely off all public assistance. Rebecca has been chosen to receive a Habitat for Humanity home with construction to start by the end of 2014.
Her career coach is very proud of Rebecca and her accomplishments. She has worked hard and is very determined to get her degree. Rebecca anticipants completing her associate’s degree by the Fall of 2014.
“I have come so far in my life thanks to Palmetto Youth Connections and the Oconee Adult Education Center. They have helped me to achieve my GED and enroll in Tri-County Tech to get my Associates in Nursing. My life would not be going this great if it wasn’t for them. My career coach, Ann Marie Baker has shown so much love and support towards me and all of her participants. She is an outstanding woman and is wonderful at what she does.”— Rebecca
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