Resilience in schoolwork while they finish up their classes in practical nursing or dental hygiene. Others Sarah Vetter, LGSW are thrilled to be graduating this summer while Director facing the uncertainty of when they will be able Pregnancy, Parenting & Adoption to take their licensing boards and begin work Catholic Charities of Southern MN in their new field. Some are worried that online classes will rob them of the hands-on learning they need before beginning to work in healthcare. Through all this, I hear hope when I check " esilience" is the word that comes to mind in with my students. when I think of Catholic Charities’ Onward and All of our meetings are on the phone durUpward students. The Oxford Dictionary defines ing this time, but I can still see their toughness. resilience as “the capacity to recover quickly The perseverance to pursue their from difficulties; toughness; the goals shines bright in the midst of ability to spring back into shape." Through Onward many unknowns. Through Onward These single parents have been and Upward, these and Upward, these students receive pursuing college degrees while scholarships, individual mentoring, working and raising children. They students receive and emergency financial assistance, were resilient before the COVID-19 scholarships, indibut the students are the ones who pandemic. Some students felt like bring the perseverance and hard they were hanging on by a thread vidual mentoring, work. Through the uncertainty of before the pandemic changed life and emergency the COVID-19 pandemic, each stuin Minnesota, but they have sprung dent has kept her focus on the goal financial assistance, of graduating and providing a better back into shape in various ways. Some of the single mothers we but the students are life for her children. serve welcomed the opportunity to Eight of the parents who particihave all their classes online, which the ones who bring pate in the Onward saved them time commuting to and Upward class and clinicals. Many appreci- the perseverance program are ated a little extra time at home with and hard work. graduating their kids. Most suddenly had their this semesschool-age children at home and ter. They are now helping their kids with are looking forward to entering the
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Catholic Charities
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workforce in the healthcare field. Many cite their children as their motivation to finish their schooling, earn a living wage, and give back to their communities by providing medical care in hospital and clinic settings. Some have told me how their lives were impacted by someone in the healthcare field, which inspired them to pursue this career as well. We are honored to walk beside them as their dreams become a reality! Amanda, a recent graduate, took the time to write a note about her experience in the Onward and Upward program:
As a single mom, young, trying to finish school, many things can be stressful, including finances. Knowing there are programs that help financially to encourage you to complete schooling to help you and your kids’ future long term is a HUGE reason why it is possible for me to achieve this goal. The staff, program and environment are all beyond welcoming and I could not be more grateful for the continuous support and encouragement.
Catholic Charities’ Onward and Upward program is looking forward to supporting more single parents in obtaining a college education in the healthcare field. We are committed to creating an individualized plan with each student in order to help her finish school, earn a living wage, obtain appropriate levels of debt, and save for her family’s future. Eligibility and applications are available online at www.ccsomn.org/ onwardandupward/
July 2020 w The Courier w dowr.org
