Updates
GREAT NEWS! Oct 3, 2013
We just heard from Annie, Aurora's validator, that yesterday was Aurora's first day of class! She's well on her way to becoming a CNA - Congratulations, Aurora!
Aurora is enrolled in her class! Aug 28, 2013
We just heard from Annie, Aurora's validator from Erie Charter school, that Aurora has been accepted in the class that she needs to take! Thanks to all the donors for your kind donation to Aurora!
Message from Annie: Apr 29, 2013
Wow! I am so excited that Aurora's need was funded! I am always amazed and grateful for the the way people understand the needs posted on Benevolent and give from their hearts. Thank you so much to all who gave to Aurora! This will help her move forward in her career and in turn help her to provide for her family.
Sincerely,
Annie Matyi
Parent Coordinator
Erie Elementary Charter School
Overview
I need funds for a college course to gain a certification in phlebotomy. I have a current certification as a CNA, and I have taken an introductory course to phlebotomy through Wright College. I need funds to pay for a second course at the National Latino Education Institute to gain a certification in phlebotomy. I need funds to pay for all required books and tuition for the course. The course is $1,500 and equipment and books are $500, so these funds will be put toward my books and equipment and some of my tuition.
I am very motivated to increase my skills in the medical field. After taking introductory courses in phlebotomy, I found that I really enjoy this technical work that still allows me to interact with patients. I especially want to use my skills as a bilingual and bicultural medical assistant to help those who do not speak English.
As a Certified Nursing Assistant, employment prospects are difficult. Many of the jobs available pay little, and higher paying jobs in hospitals are difficult to find and often require additional certifications. I would like to obtain a certification in phlebotomy so that I can work as a Patient Care Technician doing dialysis work. I am working toward becoming a Certified Medical Assistant through the Erie Neighborhood House Pathways to Success bridge program, and will be attending Wright College when I complete this program.
I was born in the United States, but moved to Mexico when I was young with my parents. When I was 15, I joined my Aunt in California in order to get a high school education in the United States. I was a straight A student and had wonderful relationships with my teachers. However, my parents were unable to afford the legal fees to transfer legal guardianship to my Aunt, and I was not able to stay with her. I moved to Chicago to stay with my older sister. I had to leave school at age 17 in order to support myself, and completed my GED two years later. Since then, I have been working to increase my earnings to support my family.
As I have improved my job prospects, I have been spending more of my income on childcare, and our economic situation has actually grown worse. We are going through the process of foreclosure, and my husband must file for bankruptcy.
As I gain this certification, I will be able to contribute greater earnings, pay our mortgage and bills, and provide more opportunities for my children. I have been working hard my entire life to obtain this education, and I need assistance during these final steps to earn the certifications that will help me achieve my goals in the medical field.
I am a mother of three children. My oldest is 12 years old, and I have 6-year-old twins. I think of myself mostly as a mother. As a mother, I am a role model to my children and an educator. I am very involved with my children's school as a volunteer, organizing fundraisers and events. It is important to me to obtain a job where I can earn enough to continue to spend time with my children and provide them with opportunities.
I'm most proud of my ability to overcome many barriers in my life to continue in my education, despite living in the United States without my parents, having to leave school and support myself, and support my oldest child when I was only 18. I have worked hard to get where I am today.
I've worked at jobs including welding at Pyramid Moulding, the Americorps program, bookkeeping at a community center, food preparation at Whole Foods Market, and an internship at Casa Central Nursing Home.
Something interesting about me is that I love being at school!
Validated
Validated by Annie from Erie Elementary Charter School (What does this mean?)
Each need is validated by a nonprofit that knows the person and can verify that the help is necessary. Funds flow from Benevolent to the nonprofit, which then gets them to the person in need and lets us know how it went.
Learn more »I have known Aurora for 6 years. She has been a involved parent at the school and has volunteered her time to the school a countless amount of times. She has also encouraged her children to try hard at school and shows by example the importance of education.
I think meeting this need is important because she will be able to add this extra certificate to her resume which will in turn help her to get a good paying job in the field of her choice. With out the financial help she is not able to meet this need herself at this time.
This will move Aurora's life forward by adding to her credentials in the medical field. Which will allow her the confidence and also the requirements she needs to pursue a career in the medical field.
Aurora is working so hard with continuing to move forward in her education. She is a great example to her children. And will be a great asset to the medical field. She inspires me and I know will inspire others along her journey.