Ms. P. is a 21 year old mother of an infant living in transitional housing. When she started in my class the young woman really had an attitude problem. I asked her to stay after a class and help me pack up. From talking to her, I learned she felt pressed into doing what others wanted instead of what she wanted. I explained that even though my classes were mandatory for the residents at the transitional housing site, I was there to help her.

I felt like I had broken through to the young woman when I asked what her goals were. She shared that she wanted training in the building and home renovation trade. Instead, counselors had discouraged that and suggested she go for training as an aide in the health field. I encouraged her to share with the counselor how she really felt at her next session the following week. She was able to get in the training program she wanted and her whole attitude changed. She became a role model for many of the other women and enabled me to reach others.

She is now out of transitional housing, working in a trade she loves and is in her own home, which she is fixing up with her newly developed skills. And just as important to me, she thanked me for helping her, and she appreciates most the lessons on planning meals, stretching her food dollars and food safety.