Resilience in Uncertain Times

Resilience in 9 schoolwork while they finish up their classes in practical nursing or dental hygiene. Others are thrilled to be graduating this summer while facing the uncertainty of when they will be able to take their licensing boards and begin work 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 healthworkforce 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 Uncertain Times Sarah Vetter, LGSW Director Pregnancy, Parenting & Adoption Catholic Charities of Southern MN Catholic Charities care. Through all this, I hear hope when I check healthcare field, which inspired them " esilience" is the word that comes to mind in with my students. to pursue this career as well. We are when I think of Catholic Charities’ Onward and All of our meetings are on the phone durhonored to walk beside them as their Upward students. The Oxford Dictionary defines ing this time, but I can still see their toughness. dreams become a reality! resilience as “the capacity to recover quickly The perseverance to pursue their Amanda, a recent graduate, took the time to from difficulties; toughness; the ability to spring back into shape." Through Onward goals shines bright in the midst of many unknowns. Through Onward write a note about her experience in the Onward and Upward program: These single parents have been pursuing college degrees while working and raising children. They were resilient before the COVID-19 pandemic. Some students felt like they were hanging on by a thread before the pandemic changed life in Minnesota, but they have sprung back into shape in various ways. Some of the single mothers we serve welcomed the opportunity to and Upward, these students receive scholarships, individual mentoring, and emergency financial assistance, but the students are and Upward, these students receive scholarships, individual mentoring, and emergency financial assistance, but the students are the ones who bring the perseverance and hard work. Through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, each student has kept her focus on the goal of graduating and providing a better life for her children. Eight of the parents who particiAs 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. have all their classes online, which the ones who bring pate in the Onward Catholic Charities’ Onward and Upward prosaved them time commuting to class and clinicals. Many apprecithe perseverance and Upward program are gram is looking forward to supporting more single parents in obtaining a college education ated a little extra time at home with and hard work. g r a d u a t i n g in the healthcare field. We are committed to cretheir kids. Most suddenly had their this semesating an individualized plan with each student school-age children at home and ter. They in order to help her finish school, earn a living are now helping their kids with are looking wage, obtain appropriate levels of debt, and save forward to for her family’s future. Eligibility and applicaentering the tions are available online at www.ccsomn.org/ onwardandupward/