“With help from the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant License and obtained a job almost immediately..."
Ruth first came to Mid Florida Community Services (MFCS) for electric assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
She was helped by an MFCS Case Manager who discussed the benefits of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Ruth informed her Case Manager that she was currently a Certified Home Health Aide, but unable to obtain clients to earn a living, and wanted to complete her Certified Nursing Assistant License. MFCS provided tuition assistance for a Certified Nursing Assistant Program and paid for the State Examination and background check. After passing the State exam, she secured a position as Certified Nursing Assistant at a local health care facility. MFCS’ Case Manager also assisted Ruth in obtaining childcare through the Early Learning Coalition for her four children. Ruth expressed, “With help from the Family Self-Sufficiency Program, I earned my Certified Nursing Assistant License and obtained a job almost immediately thereafter. I make more money and am able to cut back on hours so I can spend more time with my kids.” - Ruth
"Because of Mid Florida Community Services I am able to work in a field that I love"
I became aware of Mid Florida Community Services Education programs in September of 2014 from a relative. My Case Manager outlined the benefits of participating in the program. Before I me with my Case manger I was an unemployed college student. I didn’t have any job training or job skills. After I became part of the Family Self-Sufficiency program, my life did a 360 degree turn around. My Case Manger assisted me in obtaining my Certified Nurses Assistant at a local health care facility. Because of Mid Florida Community Services I am able to work in a field that I love while continuing to pursue my education at Pasco Hernando Sate College. I am succeeding and enjoying a new quality of life. - Chardonnay Badger
"...they also helped us to achieve what would have taken us years to accomplish..."
When my family and I moved to Florida a few years ago, we didn’t have any resources. I found out about Mid Florida Community Services in August 2014. While being assisted with our electric bill, I also learned about other programs Mid Florida Community Services offered. I learned about the Family Self-Sufficiency Program and how it could help my family. My Case Manager informed me that MFCS could help me get my State Nursing License so that I could finally become a Registered Nurse. I had finished school as a Certified Nurses Aid, but I could not afford the cost of the application, the background screening and the state test for my license. MFCS also assisted my brother with training for his electrician license. Not only was Mid Florida Community Services able to keep our lights on, but they also helped us to achieve what would have taken us years to accomplish. My brother and I are closer to achieving our goals thanks to Mid Florida Community Services ‘ Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Thank you for everything you have done for us. - Kathy Lyons
"...dreams can be accomplished.”
“I am a single mom with three children … Little did I know that when I met my case manager, it would change my life forever. She made me feel good about myself and, for the first time, I started to believe in myself. The first time I took the GED exam, I failed, but she told me to never give up. The next time I took the exam, I passed! It has changed my outlook on life and the way I view myself. I am now planning to enter a job training program. I now know that with a lot of hard work, if I set my mind to getting things done, dreams can be accomplished.” - Tammy
"I completed a Pharmacy Technician training program..."
“The Family Self-Sufficiency Program has changed my life in so many ways, all for the better for me and my daughter. Thanks to my case manager, I completed a Pharmacy Technician training program and passed my State licensing exam. I am now working full time at a nationally-owned pharmacy and have decided to go to college to complete a degree in Pharmacology. This program has helped me feel strong and confident about myself – and my daughter has someone who is persistent and strong to look up to.” - Debra
"What kept me going was the thought that my girls deserve a better life."
Without the grace of God, and Mid Florida Community Services, I would not have made it this far. I have been dedicated to earning this degree for so long, and have been discouraged so many times. There were many times, that I just wanted to give up, especially when students that started after me, and graduated before me. What kept me going was the thought that my girls deserve a better life.
I was laid off from the two jobs, and had to withdraw from school. I knew that this degree was what I needed to have a career and stability, but I had to work to support my family. I had no choice. I had help from my family with child care so I could go to class and study.
Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. gave me hope that I could finally finish. When I was able to go back to school, I found out that my Federal Pell Grant was no longer available because I had dropped out of class. I was put on academic probation until I fulfilled the requirements of the grant so that I could be reinstated. Without Mid Florida Community Services I would have missed another semester. My Case Manger is amazing, the most devoted and caring person I have ever met. Mid Florida Community Services did much more then give me financial help; they gave me the tools to accomplish my goals. I have one more class next semester to complete my Associated Degree, and then I will be registering for my Bachelor of Science as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
Fredricka
She was able to secure a livable wage job.
"Family Self-Sufficiency Program has completely changed my outlook on my path to success."
I received assistance from Mid Florida Community Services Family Self-Sufficiency Program to complete Withlacoochee Technical College's Electrical Program. They helped me with tuition, travel and the cost of tools. I couldn't have completed the program without their help. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program has completely changed my outlook on my path to success. I'm able to now state that I have completed a trade! My advice to others interested in the program is, if you can conceive and believe it, you can achieve it."
Michael
Latoya passed the NCLEX Exam and started a full-time job with benefits as a Registered Nurse!
Latoya first came to Mid Florida Community Services on October 3, 2016. She was employed part-time and attending classes at Rasmussen College to become a Registered Nurse. Latoya was accepted into our Family Self-Sufficiency Program and received assistance with tuition, the application and background screening for the NCLEX Exam, and state exam fees. Latoya passed the NCLEX Exam and in March 2017, started a full-time job with benefits as a Registered Nurse!
"If it wasn’t for them I do not know how we would have made it."
Melissa Espinosa first came to Mid Florida Community Services in November 2015. She was working part-time and attending classes at Pasco-Hernando State College to become a Registered Nurse. Melissa was accepted into the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Through support services, Mid Florida Community Services assisted Melissa with books for class, the application for the state exam, and the NCLEX exam. In August 2016, Melissa passed the NCLEX Exam. By October 2016, Melissa gained a full-time job with benefits as a Registered Nurse and obtained a livable wage.
“Last fall my husband was diagnosed with End Stage Renal disease. We had no idea what was in store for us. He could not work anymore and he was our breadwinner while I attended Nursing school to become a Registered Nurse. We could have lost everything if it wasn’t for organizations like Mid Florida Community Services. If it wasn’t for them I do not know how we would have made it. A year later and I’m now in the beginning of my career as a Registered Nurse. Thank you (Kacee and thank you Mid Florida) for all that you do for families in need.”
