When Cierra Mudd set out to find affordable housing for her mom who was disabled and in need of assistance, she unlocked a new pathway for her own life and career. Cierra and her mom were referred to People, Inc., for housing assistance and they immediately helped with rental payments. During her discussions with a staff member, Virginia, she learned about a vast array of other programs through Whole Family Approach (WFA). One of the programs she learned about would allow her to further her education in the field
of nursing.
Cierra was not only living with her mother at the time, but also had taken permanent custody of her great-nice, Ahlani, who was six months old. She was working as a personal care assistant at a local nursing home for minimum wage. “It was perfect timing because I had just gotten back into working inside a facility as far as nursing goes but the pay wasn’t great,” recalls Cierra. “I had even taken on a second job.” Becoming a new mom, she knew she wanted better employment opportunities to support herself and Ahlani.
The WFA found her an online training program to become a certified Patient Care Technician. Cierra says, “We found a program call MedCerts.com through which I ended up getting a role. People, Inc., paid for most of the fees. I started in January, and I was done by June!” She is currently completing her clinicals at a free clinic in Culpeper and has passed her certification exam. “The program truly opened up doors for me!” Cierra adds, “I knew with this program, I could put myself in a position to care for Ahlani and give her what she needs. That’s a big part of the reason I wanted to get my certification.”
While training, Cierra was able to move out of her mother’s home and get her own townhouse in Culpeper. WFA assisted with paying the first month's rent after Cierra had paid the deposit on her own. Once her clinicals are completed, she will be certified as a Patient Care Technician, performing blood draws and EKGs in any medical facility. Her long-term goals include home ownership one day. Cierra’s coach Sue has been so impressed by Cierra saying, “I just have to say her positive outlook and motivation are huge factors to her success. She’s been lovely to work with!”
The staff at People, Inc., also got heavy praise from Cierra as well. “Virginia let me know so much about all the programs offered and connected me with other organizations,” she says. “And my Family Coach Sue is just magnificent! We sat down and made goals for me, created budgeting plans, made vision boards, and even acquired a laptop for me which I used to complete my certification. Anything I need, Sue is right there to help me! She is so sweet and easy work with.” When asked for any advice to those who may be struggling and trying to find a pathway, she says- to remember “with knowledge, determination, and will -- you can push to get things done!”
of nursing.
Cierra was not only living with her mother at the time, but also had taken permanent custody of her great-nice, Ahlani, who was six months old. She was working as a personal care assistant at a local nursing home for minimum wage. “It was perfect timing because I had just gotten back into working inside a facility as far as nursing goes but the pay wasn’t great,” recalls Cierra. “I had even taken on a second job.” Becoming a new mom, she knew she wanted better employment opportunities to support herself and Ahlani.
The WFA found her an online training program to become a certified Patient Care Technician. Cierra says, “We found a program call MedCerts.com through which I ended up getting a role. People, Inc., paid for most of the fees. I started in January, and I was done by June!” She is currently completing her clinicals at a free clinic in Culpeper and has passed her certification exam. “The program truly opened up doors for me!” Cierra adds, “I knew with this program, I could put myself in a position to care for Ahlani and give her what she needs. That’s a big part of the reason I wanted to get my certification.”
While training, Cierra was able to move out of her mother’s home and get her own townhouse in Culpeper. WFA assisted with paying the first month's rent after Cierra had paid the deposit on her own. Once her clinicals are completed, she will be certified as a Patient Care Technician, performing blood draws and EKGs in any medical facility. Her long-term goals include home ownership one day. Cierra’s coach Sue has been so impressed by Cierra saying, “I just have to say her positive outlook and motivation are huge factors to her success. She’s been lovely to work with!”
The staff at People, Inc., also got heavy praise from Cierra as well. “Virginia let me know so much about all the programs offered and connected me with other organizations,” she says. “And my Family Coach Sue is just magnificent! We sat down and made goals for me, created budgeting plans, made vision boards, and even acquired a laptop for me which I used to complete my certification. Anything I need, Sue is right there to help me! She is so sweet and easy work with.” When asked for any advice to those who may be struggling and trying to find a pathway, she says- to remember “with knowledge, determination, and will -- you can push to get things done!”