Watch Shawnta's video

Overview

I need toiletries and snow boots for my kids, and steel-toe boots for me to work as a machinist. Meeting this need will help me because my kids' basic needs will be met so I can focus on my training. It will also give me peace of mind knowing that I will be prepared for the job when I graduate from my training program.

Meeting this need will help me achieve future goals because it will allow me to re-enter the workforce making a higher wage and get me benefits so I will be able to provide for my children and myself from this point forward.

My current situation is I am a 27 year-old single mother of four children ages 11, 2, 1, and three weeks. I am currently enrolled in the CNC program at Jane Addams Resource Corporation. It is getting harder for me to maintain my household while completing my training. Also, I can't start work without having steel-toe boots.

Right now, my biggest challenge is my stress factor. Having to deal with a premature infant son on top of three children, no job, and starting a 5-month long job training program is a huge weight on my shoulders. I'm dedicated so I know I'll make it, but this would be a huge help. I'm a fighter and I won't quit.

I think of myself mostly as a strong dedicated mother to four children for whom I would go above and beyond to provide for. So much so, that although I have a 3 week-old infant who is still currently in the hospital I make time to visit him, take care of my other three children, and go to training. 

I'm most proud of having the strength to do all of these things, because sometimes I want to break down, but I can't and I won't. I want a better life for me and my children and I'm trying to get us there. 

I live with my mother and my kids in a three-bedroom apartment. My kids and I share one room. 

I had to leave school at 16 to have my first son, but I still went back and got my GED. Now, I'm enrolled in a CNC machining program at Jane Addams Resource Corporation that I expect to complete in April 2013.

I've worked in the manufacturing industry for over three years doing assembly, palletizing, operating machines, and pick/packing. 

Something interesting about me is no matter what I'm an optimist and I always see the sliver lining. 

Watch Emily's video

Validated

Validated by Emily from Jane Addams Resource Corporation (What does this mean?)

I have known Shawnta since her enrollment early November 2012 in our CNC training program at JARC.

I think meeting this need is important because Shawnta is a single mom currently living with family. She enrolled in JARC's CNC training program so she can start her CNC career and be able to find stable and steady work to provide for her children.

This will move Shawnta's life forward by helping purchase necessities for her kids while she is in the training program and currently unable to afford these items for her children. Also by purchasing steel toed boots to help her be prepared and ready to work once she finds her first job in CNC.

Shawnta applied for our CNC program when she was pregnant and due with her child within the month. She had her baby and barely a week later was enrolled in JARC's CNC program. Shawnta is an incredibly determined young woman with a positive attitude who is ready and willing to do whatever it takes to make her and her children's life better.

About Emily

My job title is Employment Services Manager. I have been at Jane Addams Resource Corporation since June 2010. My work involves preparing JARC's Manufacturing Program trainees for work by assisting with resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews and other work readiness barriers. What I like… Read more