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On Her Way
Happy New Year!

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who coined this statement: "No work is insignificant. All labor that lifts up humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."

It is with this sentiment that we continue the work of helping women become economically secure so that she never has to choose between the job she needs and the child she loves. It is also why we need your voice!

Read on to learn more about the Super Moms Leadership Team and upcoming training. Plus, we spotlight moms who have recently graduated and are on their way!

Enjoy,
The EESM Team
SAVE THE DATE: MOMS INSPIRING MOMS SPOTLIGHT PART 4 IS THIS THURSDAY!
Click here to join the Zoom!
Super Moms Leadership Team
You have accomplished so much! Now, it's time to show your SUPER POWER!

Get ready to join the
Super Moms Leadership Team and raise your voice!

Please contact Jearlean Osborne at 228-234-3343, email below, or touch base with your case manager.

Our first training is scheduled for Saturday, January 29. More details to come!

Check out our award recipients!
We are extremely proud of the EESM moms who are setting and accomplishing their goals. We especially want to acknowledge the following:
  • Je’Mya Evans completed her GED and enrolled in Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on a basketball scholarship. She is will receive the Spotlight Plaque.
  • Jaquita Keller is working her dream job as a teacher and recently enrolled in graduate school. We featured her in our December newsletter.
  • Madeline Moore earned an Associate's degree in business and is now working her dream job at a prominent bank. You can read more about her in our December newsletter.
  • Monica Jackson-Bolling is now a certified phlebotomist and gainfully employed. She was also featured in our December newsletter.

In this edition, we are highlighting:
  • Latrina Booker who recently graduated from community college, earning an Associate's in pharmacy tech.
  • Latoria Keeton is exploring entrepreneurship now that she is a certified nail technician.
  • ShaQuita Taylor graduated this month and is now a Certified Nursing Assistant.
  • Tonya Toles has stepped into the classroom as a substitute teacher after securing childcare.
  • Ebony McBride has added Certified Nursing Assistant to her resume and is fully employed.

We also want to recognize these amazing moms, and will feature them in our next newsletter:
  • Kasey Hamp: Graduated & works as a Dental Assistant.
  • Valencia Eubanks: Graduated with a BA in Mathematics.
  • Ahmonda James: Graduated with Associate's in Phlebotomy.
  • Jessica Monterrey: Teacher & enrolled at Mississippi State University.

We are looking forward to awarding these 12 women with a Milestone Spotlight Plaque. Stay tuned for updates!
Latrina Booker: I am achieving my goals.
I am a strong-willed mother, and I make sure that my child’s needs are met by any means necessary. That’s why I decided to go to college so that I would not have to rely on minimum wage pay. Juggling school full-time while maintaining a stable household for my son has been challenging. However, the EESM program helped me to determine my short term and long term goals as well as develop a plan of action to achieve them.

On December 7, 2021, I achieved one of those goals. I graduated from Mississippi Delta Community College. Ms. Reynolds, my EESM program case manager, has helped me tremendously. Not only did she provide answers to a lot of questions, she also helped me with getting resources to help my little family. The EESM Bridge Child Care Program played a major role in supporting my journey to finishing college. I’m very grateful and excited about my future!
Latoria Keeton: I am putting me first.
As a single mother of five children, I wear many hats. I serve as their provider, doctor, lawyer, father, educator, spiritual teacher, mechanic, maintenance man, gardener, cosmetologist, barber, maid, veterinarian… all while working to maintain my sanity. My job is never complete, and the load I carry can be very overwhelming. 

I have always put my children and everything else before me because I was constantly in survival mode. Without support and resources, I settled for thinking that my life would begin and end as a single mother. Many women told me that they waited until after their children became adults and out of the home before pursuing a career. That was a huge challenge because I thought that this would be the outcome for my life as well. 

I had to learn to put myself first, and it is that self-worth that has helped me and motivated me to see my plan through. My decision to enroll in the EESM program has been life-changing. EESM has given me hope and a brighter future. Ms. Braxton showed me a different way. She helped me to understand that I was capable of improving my life despite my current situation. She also helped me to create a vision. 

As a result, I completed nail technician training at Chris Beauty College. I have a job that I enjoy and with flexibility to take care of my children. Next, I’m working on establishing credit. My future now has endless possibilities. 

ShaQuita Taylor: I deserve it!
Just two years ago, I was lost and had no sense of direction. I didn’t have the same motivation and drive I had before. I finally feel like I am getting back to me for the first time in years, feeling stronger and more confident in the decisions that I make. The EESM program helped in my renewal. 

Today, I am a certified medical assistant. I earned an Associate’s degree in Occupational Studies from Blue Cliff College. Gaining a solid and stable career will allow me to financially support my family and stand on my own two feet. My family deserves it. I deserve it!

Ms. Braxton has been with me every step of the way, helping me prepare for interviews, updating me on employment opportunities, and encouraging me to share some of my life experiences with her.

I am excited about what the future holds. I believe the next chapters of my life will be filled with success and joy. I even intend on going back to school for a bachelor's degree in healthcare management!
Ebony McBride: I'm living proof.
As a single mom, you have to do what you have to do, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I am glad that I discovered the EESM Program. It has helped me secure childcare for my children, which allows me to work as a CNA and have time to handle other very important matters. I know how important my role is as a parent because I serve as a major influence on my children's future, their development, and career choices. I want to show them that you can accomplish the goals you set out for yourself. I'm living proof that despite challenges and with a little help, you can make your dreams come true.
Tonya Toles: I am striving for success!
In addition to serving in the military, being a single mom is also my most prized role. I used to be so discouraged as a single mother. The burden gets heavy, but with the EESM Program and social workers like Ms. King I can put my best foot forward knowing I have some support. The EESM Program is supporting me with childcare so I don't have to worry about who's going to take care of my children and can focus on employment. It has been a light to my pathway toward success and I am truly grateful! I was recently selected to substitute teach in my hometown's school district. I love children. I think our greatest blessing is to raise up a better generation than ourselves. I'm hoping to finish my bachelor's degree soon. I will continue to strive for every goal I set and top that! 
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.