In March 2022, Aireal was pregnant and searching to find a better living situation. A friend recommended Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) Family Benefits Pilot program, and Aireal decided to act, connecting with Julie, a career navigator.
The Family Benefits Pilot program supports homeless and housing insecure families in Hennepin County who are interested in employment or education/training. The voluntary employment support program assists families through the shock of losing all or most public assistance benefits when income earned from employment increases. Since the pilot program started in February 2022 it has served over 200 families.
“The program helped improve my living situation by providing the support and resources I needed – from professional clothing for job interviews to Cub Food cards to access food and much more,” Aireal said. “I also received Target cards, which helped with essentials like my daughter’s diapers and a laptop for school.”
“Julie helped me with resume building and job searches,” Aireal added. “The program helped improve so many parts of my life.” Aireal secured employment at a family child development center. “My favorite part of my job is watching the children grow.”
Career Navigator Julie explained, “Within the Family Benefits Pilot program, we offer an employment and education stipend program. Participants, enrolled in the stipend, can receive up to $200 a month for six months. If a participant enrolls in a program like an associate or bachelor’s degree, we can provide up to $800 after they complete a semester. Since 2022, we’ve seen a big increase in participants choosing to pursue further training and education, including GEDs.”
Reflecting on her experience, Aireal said, “The program has been nothing but positive. The staff, especially Julie, have helped me in ways I never could have imagined. Julie has been one of my biggest supporters. She’s always encouraging me to follow through with my plans and is there to listen and offer help. I don’t know where I’d be without her and the help of the [Family Benefits Pilot] program.”
Aireal has completed her associate’s degree in liberal arts and is enrolled at the Bemidji State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her goal is to earn a master’s in psychology.
Julie echoed Aireal’s determination, “I am extremely proud of Aireal for never giving up on her goals, despite all the challenges she’s faced. From the start, she was determined to pursue her education to create a better life for herself and her family. She welcomed her first child while working, going to school and searching for housing. She is a great example of determination, resiliency and positivity. She’s also a great advocate for others and is always willing to offer her help. I have no doubt that she’ll achieve her master’s degree and succeed as a psychologist.”
Aireal offers this advice to others considering the program: “Don’t see the [Family Benefits Pilot] program as a crutch - see it as people helping you to improve your life.”
To learn more about GESMN’s career and training services, visit gesmn.org/programs or text JOBS to 71492.
Categories