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Our Success Stories
Jacqueline, 2010 "Woman of Promise" Award Recipient
Jacqueline, a 2004 graduate of the Center's intensive, New Directions Program,
is this year's "Woman of Promise" honoree.
Jacque came to New Directions Career Center while undergoing transitions in her personal and
professional life. In the process of leaving an abusive marriage, she describes herself as "lost and
fearful about reaching out for help." After learning about the Center from another woman who shared
her own painful story and how the Center had helped her succeed, Jacque called and enrolled in the
New Directions class.
Jacque's "aha" moment came in the class during exercises related to setting healthy boundaries. The
counselors helped her to realize that her inability to set and enforce appropriate boundaries with
people in her life was keeping her from achieving her own personal and professional goals.
Jacque began to set clear boundaries, establish healthy relationships, and work toward achievement of
her career plan that she developed in the New Directions Program. Upon graduation from the program,
she went directly to Columbus State Community College, where she studied Mental Health Counseling for
two years, while working a part-time job. She then obtained full-time employment, and has worked the
last three and one-half years, as an Insurance Account Assistant—while continuing her education in
paralegal studies.
Jacque plans to complete her undergraduate degree from Capital University and then enroll in Capital's
Law School to become a Family Law Attorney and advocate for families. She currently serves as Vice
President of the Pre-Law Association on campus, has volunteered with CASA, and served as a Guardian
Ad Litem for abused and neglected children. In addition to this full schedule, Jacque continues to
volunteer for NDCC – sharing her message of hope with women who are currently enrolled in the New
Directions Program.
Sally, 2009 "Woman of Promise" Award Recipient
Before enrolling with New Directions Career Center, Sally had lost her
husband of 30 years and had lost her job. She stated that she had lost her "joy" and her self
confidence "hit rock bottom". She learned about the Center from Frankie Nowlin, an NDCC board member
who had told her about the Center's programs and services for women in transition.
Sally's "aha" moment came while completing the 4-week course. She says that the Center gave her the
gift of self confidence—she started to like herself and developed courage to further her education.
Following graduation from New Directions, she went on to complete a degree at Columbus State Community
College (CSCC) in Computer Science and she worked for CSCC until late 2008.
Sally is still in her journey as a Woman of Promise. She made the decision to leave her position at
Columbus State in 2008. She worked with the NDCC Job Placement Specialist to put a career change plan
together. She was recently successful in obtaining employment with a website developer (part-time) and
with a homeopathic health and wellness provider (part-time). She is happy with her new positions and
when she talks about the recent transition she states, "I am healthier now than I have ever been. I
have found my joy and I want to share it with everyone." Sally continues to share her message of hope
with graduates of New Directions Career Center. She regularly donates her time as a speaker on the
graduate panel and shares her story with the women enrolled in the 4-week program.
Toska, 2008 Bostwick Scholarship Winner
Toska came to NDCC as a single mom, who wished to identify and work towards a
career that would provide economic self-sufficiency for herself and her son. Here is her story, in her
own words:
"Since I started learning American Sign Language and became part of the deaf community, I learned I
wanted to be a part of this place and stay to contribute to their unique, rich culture. While working
as an interpreter, I accepted a position working with deaf children at the Alice Cogswell Center (ACC)
which led to being the dance coordinator at Ohio School for the Deaf. Each one of these positions
allowed me to use the language of the deaf, American Sign Language, which I love. However, I discovered
a forgotten love -- to educate people through teaching, developing creative thought and discovering new
concepts for learning and doing.
While participating in the New Directions class in 2008, I completed personality tests, hands on
activities, and participated in open discussions. Our conversations confirmed that I was going to put
my two loves together: American Sign Language/ Deaf Culture and Interpreting/ ASL studies.
At the New Directions Career Center we were encouraged to dream without any barriers, dream where it
was safe, and dream I did! After the dreaming we wrote and drew the vision on paper. Then I thought,
it does not have to stay a vision – it can become a reality. I am on the path of reality.
I have obtained my A.A. degree from Columbus State Community College (CSCC) in interpreting, and have
continued to use my skill in various employment opportunities. My career goal is to obtain a major in
American Sign Language and a minor in Deaf Culture. This will allow me to speak for the Deaf and be
their voice. I plan to educate the public about the importance for children to have a language (their
own language). This would include providing information on all resources available to the Deaf
community. I would like to incorporate media coverage on the Ohio School for the Deaf and advise deaf
individuals of all services available. To reach this goal I am currently enrolled in additional
coursework at CSCC, taking as many general education courses towards my major as possible. I then plan
to transfer those credits to Gallaudet University located in Washington, D.C."
LaShawn, 2007 "Woman of Promise" Award Recipient
Before coming to The Center, LaShawn says her life was "a mess." "My husband
was in school and we couldn't provide for our family. I was grateful when a family member recommended
the New Directions Program to me. I don't know where my life would be right now if I hadn't enrolled."
LaShawn's "aha" moment came during a barrier reduction session at NDCC: "I learned that I had to take
care of myself before I could be prepared to care for others," she reflects.
Since graduation, LaShawn has worked for the Central Community House managing health and community
outreach programs. She enjoys her free time with her family and spends countless hours giving back to
the community.
Lisa, 2006 "Woman of Promise" Award Recipient
"I came to the Center as a new single head of household with three children.
I enrolled in the New Directions Program, and with the assistance of a Career Counselor, created a map
for my life. That map emphasized that if I took care of myself financially and emotionally, I would
empower myself to make better decisions."
After graduating from the Center, Lisa took a job as an orderly at Riverside Hospital and began her
journey to self-sufficiency. Although far from her "ideal job," the position gave her current work
experience and an opportunity to prove herself as a hard-working and dedicated employee. With new-found
enthusiasm and confidence, she approached Peter Jennings of ABC News when he was in Columbus and asked
him to do a story about the working poor in Middle America. In his "Person of the Week" segment, Mr.
Jennings told the country of Lisa's struggle to keep her family intact while facing many barriers.
Lisa continued to use all of the tools and skills she learned in New Directions to improve her work
situation and ultimately to achieve her career goal and attain economic independence. Today Lisa is a
Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Columbus, a homeowner and a volunteer who enjoys giving back
to her community.
Edwina Mae, 2000 "Woman of Promise" Award Recipient
"At The Center, I gained knowledge and planted seeds to grow in the direction
of my choosing. I gained self-worth, self-respect, self-love and most importantly I found my own unique
'voice' in this world. I hold a deep gratitude for the Center for being there years ago in my darkest
time. Each day for me brings a new opportunity to see and experience the beauty of this universe—thanks
to New Directions."
Today, Edwina Mae is an ALL STAR employee at Nordstrom. She is also a passionate and accomplished
artist. Her paintings appear in many galleries, juried shows and private collections throughout the
country.
Sandra, 1998 "Woman of Promise" Award Recipient
Sandra came to the New Directions Career Center when her husband lost his job
due to a company cutback. He started a house rehab and remodeling business but the jobs were sporadic
and provided no health insurance. Sandra felt a deep concern because they were raising their four year
old granddaughter. In addition, she had been an agoraphobic for 15 years. Feeling scared, lost and
worthless, she turned to the Center for help. At the Center, Sandra developed her self-confidence and
after graduation, put into action what she learned from the New Directions Program. She decided to
pursue a career related to her love of ice skating, so Sandra took the initiative and proposed to The
Ohio State University to create a position for a Director of Recreational Instruction. Sandra was hired.
In 1993 Sandra was also hired onto the faculty as an instructor in the School of Physical Activities and
Education Services. In 1997 she was appointed to the Governor's Task Force for Grandparents Raising
Grandchildren, a role that has allowed her to create public awareness and support for the growing number
of grandparents raising grandchildren and the struggles they face. In 1998, she was named the Center's
"Woman of Promise."
In 2001 Sandra resigned from the Ohio State faculty and took a newly created position at Children's
Hospital entitled "Kinship Navigator." This was a program she helped to establish in every county in
Ohio. The program later became a model for the entire country. After two years, she left the position
and in 2003 went into semi-retirement.
Today, Sandra is still the Ice Skating Director at the OSU Ice Rink, where she oversees the instructors,
the curriculum and the "paper work" for the Learn to Skate Program for over 1,000 children and adults
each year. She serves on the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Grandparents Raising
Grandchildren Advisory Council and has made many trips to Washington D. C. advocating for relative
caregivers.
Some things have changed since Sandy was a "Woman of Promise" recipient. Her husband died in 2001.
Her granddaughter, whom she and her husband raised, is now a young woman, who also attended the Center's
New Directions Program and recently started her own pet sitting business. In 2004 Sandra re-married.
She says, "I attribute all of my success to building on the tools and confidence I received while at
the Center."
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