Success Stories | Hope

Hope after grauation

Needing something different 

Hope, shy and introverted, was home schooled since kindergarten 

To try new things, she enrolled in a traditional high school for her sophomore year, unfortunately, unable to cope with her personal struggles, she dropped out of school during her junior year.  

No matter what, Hope was determined to earn her High School Diploma. She enrolled in GED preparatory classes at Indian River State College. After talking with Mr. Sanchez, the GED Program Director, and sharing her story, he immediately referred her to Eckerd Connects and the Youth Connections Program.  

Seeing positive change 

This is when she met Career Coach Ashlie Young and things began to change for the better. 

Once Hope learned about all the training and support the program offered, she could not wait to enroll. While Hope was in the training, she learned not only how to improve her job skills, but most importantly how to understand herself and her strengths.  

Finding her career path 

Based on her strengths and interests, Hope decided on a career path in Graphic Design, but first she had to earn her diploma. Hope worked hard and in February, she took her GED exams and passed! 

After earning her Diploma, Hope focused on improving her employability skills. She participated in an internship at Pace Center for Girls. Pace is a school designed to help girls like Hope that have experienced life’s setbacks.  

Learning people skills 

While Hope worked on developing her clerical and marketing skills, she was also learning how to manage her emotions and interact with people. This was huge for Hope.  

After completing her internship, Hope went searching for a job that would coincide with her creativity and she found it. Hope is employed at Michaels, a craft store. Hope plans to further her education by enrolling in college in the Spring. Way to go Hope! 

Help us support more young people, like Hope, as they find their careers by donating today! 

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