SHARE:  
Join Our Email List
On Her Way
Tranisha Woods: My Future is Bright
My life as a single mom is about raising my son and continuing my education so I can get start my career in law enforcement. I don't consider it a challenge. I just work hard and stay focused on achieving my dreams for my son.

Before entering the EESM Program, I was in a position where I had to depend on someone to keep my son. People would let me down, not show up or cancel at the last minute. The EESM Program helped me secure child care.

My EESM case manager, Ms. Zaffron, also helped me get an internship at the Family Resource Center in Tupelo, MS. I recently graduated with a bachelor's in criminal justice, which was one of the proudest moments of my life. I'm on my way to enrolling in a graduate program so that I can earn my master's degree.

Things are looking up. I'm thankful that the EESM Program has helped me put together a plan for the future.
Veronique Davis: It’s not about how you start, but how you finish.
I’m not perfect, but I’m living for my kids and for myself.
 
I was going to Mississippi Delta Community College in the fall of 2018, just a week away from Midterms when the school sent out a statement that said, “Your financial aid has reached its limits, and you will have to pay $1950”. I instantly withdrew from those classes, which pushed me back seven courses with a balance of $1,950. From that moment, I began doubting myself and just put a hold on everything. 
 
Years went by. Because the balance remained, I couldn’t get my transcript in order to apply for other academic programs. There seemed to be obstacles at every turn. Eventually, I got enough money to get my transcript, and I enrolled in the Phillips Community College Practical Nursing Program. 
 
Then I ran into yet another roadblock. EESM Case Manager Pamela Reynolds came through for me. She encouraged me to look into the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program (WIOA). Unfortunately, Phillips was no longer listed on the Mississippi list. So Ms. Reynolds helped me apply for the program in Arkansas, which was a bit challenging because I wasn’t an Arkansas resident. Not only did I get tuition assistance, I was able to get rental assistance in order to move to Arkansas.

No matter what obstacles I faced, God was there to bring me out. Every time I fell, I got back up stronger and fought to the end. 
 
It wasn’t my time in 2018, but God spoke to me and said, “Veronique, 2020 is your time. Despite this pandemic and other financial issues, you will win.”
 
I’m up next, and this is my season.
 
I’m preparing myself for my second semester of nursing school. 
Going After Their Dreams
Tisshari Richardson: Being a single mom is never easy, but EESM makes it better.
"My case manager is so helpful and respectful. I couldn't ask for a more genuine person. All I can say is that I'm blessed to have the EESM Program, especially as a single mom."

Tisshari is on her way to nursing school.
Latoya Woods: Raising the Bar
We want to take the opportunity to highlight Latoya Woods, a single mom raising the bar.

Ms. Woods earned an associate degree in business management and a bachelor degree in healthcare management. She is currently studying for a master's degree in education with a specialization in leadership management. She is also looking to enroll in a Registered Nurse program. Her goal is to obtain a doctorate degree in education and teach at any level, including the collegiate level.
MLICCI's Employment Equity for Single Moms (EESM) project helps single mothers in Mississippi find the education, training and resources they need to find higher-paying jobs in their local area so that they can earn a livable wage and become more financially secure.

"On Her Way" is the EESM Newsletter. We share the stories of our participants who are on their way to achieving economic security with assistance from the EESM case managers. If you would like to learn more about the EESM program and get involved, click on the button below.