HPOG Success Story: Stephanie at South Carolina Department of Social Services

Publication Date: June 30, 2021
Current as of:

Columbia, SC

Project HOPE: Healthcare for Occupations Preparation for Employment

Victim of domestic violence becomes licensed practical nurse to support her four children

Stephanie spent four years working as a traveling phlebotomist. Her mother provided childcare for Stephanie’s four children while she worked to provide for her family. When her mother became ill, Stephanie had to leave her job. Family illness and unemployment were not the first obstacles she encountered; she was also a domestic violence survivor. Stephanie visited her local One-Stop and saw a flyer for Project HOPE: Healthcare Occupations Preparation for Employment . She was interested in returning to school but had exhausted available financial aid during her Phlebotomy degree. Stephanie knew she had an open door in front of her and decided to walk through it. She called the number on the flyer and applied for Project HOPE assistance.

After being accepting into Project HOPE, she started the licensed practical nurse (LPN) program at Tri-County Technical College. While in school, she worked weekend shifts as a medical technician at a group home for youth, earning $11 an hour. She did all this while traveling two hours a day to school and taking care of her family. Project HOPE covered tuition, books, clinical scrubs, and even gas cards to travel to and from classes. Project HOPE staff also provided ongoing emotional support. Stephanie received an academic award and was voted “Most Determined” by her classmates. She graduated and passed her certification exam in early 2020. She holds a full-time position as an LPN, receives health benefits and earns $25.00 per hour. “Project HOPE truly changes lives. Economically, I’m in a whole new tax bracket!”

Stephanie is a role model to her children, young women, and single mothers. She is a mentor with Daughters of Destiny, a program that encourages women to live their dreams. Stephanie overcame a lifetime of trauma to support her family on a single income with the assistance of Project HOPE.

“Project HOPE truly changes lives. Economically, I’m in a whole new tax bracket!”

This success story was self-identified by the grantee and information contained in this document was provided by the grantee.

HPOG Success Story: Stephanie at South Carolina Department of Social Services  (PDF)