You can help parents like Mary realize their career goals.
Mary became homeless with her young son and daughter when she fled an abusive husband. She had married shortly after high school and worked very little once her children were born. Without a degree and significant work experience, she struggled to find decent employment.
During her first year with New Ground she improved her resume, conducted an intensive job search, and managed to secure a fulltime position earning enough to afford to pay her basic bills. However, she knew this was not enough to successfully support her family on her own. After much deliberation, Mary pursued an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies. She attended college part time while working fulltime and raising her children.
Over 6 years with New Ground, Mary earned an Associate Degree, secured a higher paying job, ensured her children were doing well in school, paid down debts, increased her credit score ,and started saving for her future. The family moved into a market rent apartment and continues to do well.
“I think one of the best things that New Ground did was force me to decide on my education, and take the step to go back to school. I said I wanted it but I just couldn’t make it happen. I think I was scared – scared of failing again. But once I decided and started classes, I did really well! I had almost straight A’s through my entire program. And now I love what I do.”
The James & Mary Jo Cowan Career Development Service Program
Homeless Veterans and families often experience interruptions in their education and employment history, impacting overall employment opportunities and earnings. This Service Program helps the unemployed, underemployed, and those looking to change career paths or advance their career and professional development with the long-term goal of increasing overall household income.
New Ground Social Workers provide individualized assistance in all aspects of employment and career readiness including:
- Creation of state of the art resumes incorporating all current standards and expectations.
- Practicing and developing strong interviewing skills and communication strategies throughout the job search process.
- Learning the latest websites and techniques to launch a comprehensive employment search.
- Referrals to local Career Service Agencies, job fairs and other career events with the most current job leads in various employment sectors.
- Exploring individual employment values and personal styles to determine best career options, including completion of interests and abilities assessments.
- Generating an individualized Career Development Plan with key steps and action plans to achieve overall goals.
Jim and Mary Jo Cowan have been supporters of New Ground since the early 1990’s. In recognition of their dedication to our Veterans and families, their children made a major gift to New Ground and chose this program to honor them.