Thriving Against the Odds: Jessica's Journey with GROWWTH
Jessica has her sights to one day be the U.S. Secretary of Education. Until then, she is making the most of her GROWWTH journey while being an inspiration to her daughter.
A native mid-westerner, Jessica is thriving in Memphis after navigating the trenches of poverty. Leaving a rocky marriage in North Carolina left her to stand on her own. Now, she and her partner care for their daughter, Danica, and Jessica is mapping out a future for success.
Her passions for childcare, education and leadership sparked Jessica to pursue a master’s degree while eyeing the nation’s top education role. Through her time at the University of Memphis, she learned about a program helping parents acquire the needed resources for economic stability, GROWWTH.
“My professor, who was over my internship at the time, she told me about GROWWTH,” Jessica explained. “I was in the childcare field and GROWWTH aids parents who are trying to open daycares. I said ‘Yes! I cannot wait!’ So, I signed up.”
Enrolling in GROWWTH Academy, competing the required coursework and earning her milestone payments afforded Jessica a way to both fund a new vehicle but also give her daughter a memorable birthday party.
“We needed a new car,” said Jessica. “I had to put a down payment like $3,000. I got my down payment and paid for my daughter’s birthday. She enjoyed it and had a great time. Those little extra things that my partner sees as something to spend your money up; those are memories to me. I wouldn’t have been able to create these memories for her if just left to our means.”
Seeing the progress to self-sufficiency prompted Jessica to join the microbusiness development program with GROWWTH and bring to life her side business of balloon art.
“There were some unforeseen licensing stipulations for opening a daycare we weren't aware of,” Jessica said. “I had already developed a business plan for the home-based balloon business, so we went ahead with that. Some people arrange the balloons, cute designs with them tied together. I’ve done unicorns, a whole elephant, pregnant women, where you pop the belly and balloons come out. I’ve done Mardi Gras masks, Arabian globes. I’m very creative and try to do things nobody else has.”
The value for Jessica is remaining flexible in her work life while remaining attentive to her daughter’s educational needs and life events.
“This is an opportunity to step out on your own, create your own path in being flexible for life. That’s what we’re searching for now. It’s no longer about the 9 to 5. Everybody’s looking for remote, hybrid, we need it to fit our lives. I still want to be a mother. I don’t want to give that up to the state and allow the school to raise my child. When I do balloons, I step back to look and surprise myself. I can motivate my daughter through this journey as well.”
To find out if you're an eligible West Tennessee parent, visit: www.memphis.edu/growwth/eligibility/index.php
Building Better: Emily is on track to a high-quality career with GROWWTH
Emily connected with GROWWTH after learning about us through her work at the American Job Center. Her drive for a high-quality career pushed her to take advantage of GROWWTH’s opportunities for accelerated workforce readiness programs.
“I participated in the GROWWTH Academy where I learned a wide variety of skills and tips on how to build a successful career,” Emily said. “I was able to use the certification from the GROWWTH Academy on my resume.”
With that certification, Emily pursued a position with the state of Tennessee.
“One month after completing the program I was offered the job and accomplished the goal I had set for myself,” Emily explained. “I still use the very same tips I learned in the Academy with my career and everyday life.”
GROWWTH Case Managers Joy Cooper and Marcia Fields worked with Emily to set the goals and hopes she wanted for her career on the path to economic stability.
“Enrolling in GROWWTH changed my life for the better and I can’t thank the GROWWTH staff enough for helping me through every step of the process,” Emily added.
West Tennessee parents have options for better opportunities on the journey to economic stability.
Visit our website to see if you qualify: https://www.memphis.edu/growwth/contact/index.php
Meet Temica: Our guidance led her to a new job
Our friend, Temica, knows the struggle of getting a high-quality job to support her family. As a mother of six, her focus remains caring for her family the best way she can.
Once faced with discrimination at her previous job, she sought resolution which didn’t last long. Temica was already familiar with the GROWWTH program from engaging pharmacy customers who also struggled with financial stability.
“I was just getting frustrated,” Temica explained. “It was taking a toll on me and I felt like it was best to quit. I had already started the GROWWTH enrollment process at that time.”
As a GROWWTH participant, our accelerated workforce readiness program and resources funded the necessary training needed for Temica’s certification as a Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomist.
The opportunities to break financial barriers in her life led her to a new job this month.
“I’m starting as a pharmacy technician in April,” Temica said. “GROWWTH gives me a lot of confidence.”
Also, after attending the GROWWTH Microbusiness Bootcamp, Temica is ready to launch her own business.
“It’s going to be K&S Mobile Services,” Temica said. “Even though I’m a phlebotomist, I’m not looking to incorporate that right now, but I am a skilled drug screener. I will be a mobile drug screener and a mobile notary public.”
GROWWTH guides our participants to ensure success continues in the lives of west Tennessee parents like Temica.
“I received notifications about jobs listings, continuing education, assistance for housing and utilities. It all helps,” Temica added. “You don’t know all resources out there and with GROWWTH it’s like a family that has a group chat and keeps you informed.”
To find out if you're an eligible West Tennessee parent, visit: www.memphis.edu/growwth/eligibility/index.php