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One Step at a Time

DEBRA WASHINGTON is a 39-year old single mother of two children.  After graduating from Bryan High School, she had a goal to become a Certified Nurse Aide.  She didn’t realize at the time that she would need assistance in providing for herself and children.  She applied to BVCOG’s Housing Choice Voucher Program and received her Voucher in November 2007.  At that time, Debra was working part-time as a Certified Nurse’s Aide at a local hospital, but her long-term goal had changed.  She wanted to become a licensed Cosmetologist.

She began her road to independence and self-sufficiency by joining the BVCOG Family Self-Sufficiency Program.  Her FSS Coordinator encouraged her to apply to Charles and Sues School of Hair Design to get her license after applying for financial aid assistance through FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov).  While working toward her license, she was working part-time in home health and receiving child support.  She completed all of her classes and received her license a year later.  After she got her license, her FSS Coordinator encouraged her to seek full-time employment at a hair salon.  She applied at several salons and continued to look for work until August 2011 when she was hired at a local salon.

Debra has accomplished several of her goals in the FSS Program and eventually would like to become a licensed Cosmetology Instructor.  Currently, she is researching possibilities through Charles and Sues and Manuel and Teresa’s School of Hair Design.  Meanwhile, she will continue working and providing for her children.  She is very grateful for the FSS Program and their team because this has given her the opportunity to continue her education and become self-sufficient.

“I would like to encourage all, especially single parents to enroll with the Family Self-Sufficiency Program as soon as they’re accepted to the Housing Program because this program will encourage you, and help you know that you are important and that your dreams and goals can come true. I hope all Housing Participants take advantage of this program and give the FSS Staff an opportunity to help you accomplish your goals for yourself and mostly for our children, setting the example for them that you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to because we live in a country with many opportunities to make our lives better.”

Debra Washington, FSS Participant

Click Here to Find Out How to Apply for the FSS Program