Originally from Haiti, Joseph Marie moved to South Florida 20 years ago and began working from home as a customer service agent, despite always wanting to work in the medical field. As the years went on, Joseph Marie continued to dream of working in healthcare, but knew she could not afford to pay for school, let alone take the time off to attend.
Becoming a mother further inspired her to make a change. With a four-year-old son at home, Joseph Marie wanted to pursue a career that would offer her more growth financially and personally. While looking online at different Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) programs, Boca Helping Hands’ popped up and she was able to easily fill out the form. Joseph Marie began her CNA courses at the end of last September. To fully concentrate on her studies, she decided to take time off from work while attending school – something that was possible only because of BHH covering the cost of the program. “Not getting paid and having to be a parent was the most challenging part of the program for me,” she said. “It was really hard, but I just kept going because I knew I had to make a change and persevere.”
After several months of hard work, Joseph Marie earned her CNA license in February - and was even able to get a job at Boca Regional Hospital before completing her program, getting her off to a great start in her new career. She describes her new field as “stressful, but this is what I love to do. I felt like I had no passion at my other job, and now I do.”
After gaining on-the-job experience as a CNA, Joseph Marie plans to continue school to become a Registered Nurse. Her advice to present and future students going through BHH’s many programs is “to really focus and take advantage of the opportunity. Keep up patience and perseverance, and it will be worth it.” She especially appreciated BHH’s Job Training Admissions & Care Coordinators - the team who was always there to check in or cheer her on - even after finishing the program. “I found that there are people out there who really want to help you succeed. They are always there to help you get through your program.”
It is often a daunting thought to make a large change in life, but Joseph Marie C. is proof that change can be a great gift. “Without Boca Helping Hands, I wouldn’t have this career or be able to work and take care of my son,” she said. “Now I know that there is a path for me and others like me.
