Lynwood, WA
Innovations in Creating Access to Careers in Healthcare (I-CATCH)
Who:
Terry was laid off from his job as general manager of a sign company after being employed there for 18 years.
When: Applied: 2019; Certified: 2021
He was accepted into the Innovations in Creating Access to Careers in Healthcare (I-CATCH)
program in May 2019. He started working that September and received a promotion in October 2020. Terry completed his Family Support Studies associates degree and certification, as well as a Prevention Specialist Certificate in early 2021. He is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in Child, Youth, and Family Services.
Why: Fulfilling Career
After losing his job, Terry decided to pursue a degree in Family Support Studies until his financial assistance started to run out. HPOG was able to help Terry continue his studies and navigate a complicated and unfamiliar college system.
Where: Washington State
He completed his degree at Edmonds College in Lynwood, WA. He obtained employment at “Hand-in-Hand, a nonprofit organization in Everett, WA.
What: Family Support Studies and Prevention Specialist
Terry received supportive services such as financial assistance, a laptop and internet hotspot to get through his courses, as well as academic and career case management. He began working at Hand-in-Hand as an outreach coordinator and has been promoted to operations manager.
“I connected with I-CATCH and everything changed. Just having the laptop and internet made a huge difference. I-CATCH taught me how to navigate the college system. I could call them, and they would do whatever they needed to in order to help me be successful. When I started looking for a job, my resume was perfect. I was offered all five jobs that I applied for because I was ready.” — Terry
This Success Story was self-identified by the grantee and information contained in this document was provided by the grantee.