Passing the Test

“Jenny” was having a difficult year. She lost her job and she was struggling to find her next opportunity. She hoped to become a school bus driver, but as hard as she tried, she couldn’t seem to pass the commercial driver’s license (CDL) test. A single mother to two young children, her unemployment was starting to take a toll on her financially, as well as emotionally. Her self-esteem was dwindling; she began to wonder if something was wrong with her. Was she not good enough to work? Was she letting her children down? She wanted to provide a good life for them. But how?

That’s when Jenny heard about Flanner House’s Center for Working Families (CWF), a United Way model focused on helping striving families and individuals reach and maintain financial stability. She immediately enrolled and began taking job-readiness and life skills classes. From the courses, Jenny began learning important job skills and decision-making techniques. And, CWF coaches began working with her to improve her self-esteem.

After a few weeks of courses, Jenny felt she was ready to attempt the CDL test again. A few months before, passing that test seemed impossible. But now, thanks to CWF, she was armed with marketable job skills and a newfound confidence in herself. 

And Jenny’s hard work paid off – she passed!

Shortly after, Jenny was hired by the local school district as a school bus driver. Now that Jenny has achieved her career goal, CWF continues to work with her on budgeting, decreasing debt and building her net worth.

Because of United Way, CWF, Flanner House and you, Jenny is not only reaching financial stability, but she is setting a solid foundation for maintaining it.

“My progressing stability in life has set a new standard and pathway for my children. Now they know to complete what they start and to never settle or give up,” Jenny said.

Not only has her financial situation dramatically improved, but Jenny’s confidence in herself and her capabilities is higher than ever before. Now, for Jenny, the sky is the limit on what’s achievable.

Note: United Way works to improve the lives of all Central Indiana residents by focusing our work in four key areas – Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs. Flanner House of Indianapolis, Inc. is a United Way-funded agency addressing one or more of these priorities by promoting spiritual, social, moral, cultural and physical welfare of individuals and families in Indianapolis.

photo credit: Shawn Harquail A mother's love is like a rose. via photopin (license)