Haley was mother to a toddler and pregnant with her second child by the age of 20. As a high school dropout, her prospects for reliable employment were slim.
She needed financial flexibility but didn’t know where to turn before she came across an opportunity with the Kentucky Youth Career Center (KYCC), funded by the United States Department of Labor, administered by KentuckianaWorks and operated by Goodwill Industries of Kentucky. It provides services for out-of-school youths ages 18-24 in six Kentucky counties: Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer and Trimble.
Haley knew it was the opportunity she needed when she was enrolled by her career coach, Anita, one day prior to her age deadline, which she discusses in the video linked below. She has since passed her General Educational Development test and enrolled in nursing school at Jefferson Community and Technical College. She now works at Baptist East after graduating.
Haley said her career coach was with her every step of the way – including during tragic moments during her stint at JCTC. She endured the loss of her father, was evicted from the home she lived in at the time and was physically assaulted. Anita continued to offer guidance during that time. She even helped her acquire textbooks for classes and scrubs for work, among other things. Because of that, Haley had Anita pin her gown during her graduation ceremony.
“She’s always been there,” Haley said. “Even when … she wasn’t helping me out in a certain way, she was always checking up on me. It wasn’t easy, especially having two little kids. … Without someone giving me the resources or helping me get over those little speed bumps, I don’t know if I would have kept pushing.”
Are you an out-of-school youth are interested in summer employment, year-round employment or earning secondary school credentials? Call 502-844-2800 or visit goodwillky.org for more information.
To watch Haley’s full interview, follow the link provided below: