Meet Pierre: A single father setting a strong example
Pierre has been making strides toward personal and professional growth since enrolling in our program.
鈥淎fter becoming disabled because of congenital heart failure since 2017, I鈥檝e found it impossible to secure employment in my field of 15 years. I needed a transition and the GROWWTH Program provided just that. For the last several years I鈥檝e felt like I was wasting away, but GROWWTH offered me a path forward. This opportunity renewed my sense of purpose.鈥�
As part of his journey, Pierre began pursuing industry-recognized CompTIA certifications, including A+, Network+, and Security+. These certifications equip him with essential IT skills and opportunities in technology-driven industries. Through the GROWWTH Program, Pierre has been able to access the resources and support needed to excel in his credential training.
Building on his newfound skills and confidence, Pierre participated in the Fall 2024 City Hackathon in Memphis, from November 15 to 17 at University of Memphis' FedEx Institute of Technology. This 36-hour event brought together over 100 creative and technical volunteers to develop innovative solutions to civic challenges, including improving transportation for job access.
鈥淚鈥檓 working on my resume, taking part on side projects and even applied to Elon Musk鈥檚 new data center. After receiving my certification, I want to work in cyber security, becoming self-sufficient and no longer relying on disability benefits. As a single father with two daughters in high school, I want to make sure they have everything they need. I want to set a strong example of perseverance for them.鈥�
Pierre's journey is a testament to how the GROWWTH Program empowers individuals to achieve both personal development and community impact. His accomplishments highlight the transformative power of education, collaboration, and innovation.
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鈥檚 degree while eyeing the nation鈥檚 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.
鈥淢y professor, who was over my internship at the time, she told me about GROWWTH,鈥� Jessica explained. 鈥淚 was in the childcare field and GROWWTH aids parents who are trying to open daycares. I said 鈥榊es! I cannot wait!鈥� So, I signed up.鈥�
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.
鈥淲e needed a new car,鈥� said Jessica. 鈥淚 had to put a down payment like $3,000. I got my down payment and paid for my daughter鈥檚 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鈥檛 have been able to create these memories for her if just left to our means.鈥�
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.
鈥淭here were some unforeseen licensing stipulations for opening a daycare we weren't aware of,鈥� Jessica said. 鈥淚 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鈥檝e done unicorns, a whole elephant, pregnant women, where you pop the belly and balloons come out. I鈥檝e done Mardi Gras masks, Arabian globes. I鈥檓 very creative and try to do things nobody else has.鈥�
The value for Jessica is remaining flexible in her work life while remaining attentive to her daughter鈥檚 educational needs and life events.
鈥淭his is an opportunity to step out on your own, create your own path in being flexible for life. That鈥檚 what we鈥檙e searching for now. It鈥檚 no longer about the 9 to 5. Everybody鈥檚 looking for remote, hybrid, we need it to fit our lives. I still want to be a mother. I don鈥檛 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.鈥�
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鈥檚 opportunities for accelerated workforce readiness programs.
鈥淚 participated in the GROWWTH Academy where I learned a wide variety of skills and tips on how to build a successful career,鈥� Emily said. 鈥淚 was able to use the certification from the GROWWTH Academy on my resume.鈥�
With that certification, Emily pursued a position with the state of Tennessee.
鈥淥ne month after completing the program I was offered the job and accomplished the goal I had set for myself,鈥� Emily explained. 鈥淚 still use the very same tips I learned in the Academy with my career and everyday life.鈥�
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.
鈥淓nrolling in GROWWTH changed my life for the better and I can鈥檛 thank the GROWWTH staff enough for helping me through every step of the process,鈥� Emily added.
West Tennessee parents have options for better opportunities on the journey to economic stability.
Visit our website to see if you qualify: /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鈥檛 last long. Temica was already familiar with the GROWWTH program from engaging pharmacy customers who also struggled with financial stability.
鈥淚 was just getting frustrated,鈥� Temica explained. 鈥淚t 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.鈥�
As a GROWWTH participant, our accelerated workforce readiness program and resources funded the necessary training needed for Temica鈥檚 certification as a Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomist.
The opportunities to break financial barriers in her life led her to a new job this month.
鈥淚鈥檓 starting as a pharmacy technician in April,鈥� Temica said. 鈥淕ROWWTH gives me a lot of confidence.鈥�
Also, after attending the GROWWTH Microbusiness Bootcamp, Temica is ready to launch her own business.
鈥淚t鈥檚 going to be K&S Mobile Services,鈥� Temica said. 鈥淓ven though I鈥檓 a phlebotomist, I鈥檓 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.鈥�
GROWWTH guides our participants to ensure success continues in the lives of west Tennessee parents like Temica.
鈥淚 received notifications about jobs listings, continuing education, assistance for housing and utilities. It all helps,鈥� Temica added. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 know all resources out there and with GROWWTH it鈥檚 like a family that has a group chat and keeps you informed.鈥�
To find out if you're an eligible West Tennessee parent, visit: www.memphis.edu/growwth/eligibility/index.php