You may have a job now, but perhaps it isn’t what you want to do long term. Or maybe it won’t pay enough for your new family.
Don’t panic! There are actually many communities that offer a wide range of employment and training programs. These are programs that offer on-the-job training and preparation for careers in a wide variety of fields from health care, industrial, and information technology, just to name a few.
Start with your local Job and Family Services offices. Often they partner or run their own “job stores” that can point you in the right direction. If you have applied for Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), they probably will connect you. WIC offices also may know the local resources for employment and training programs.
Some local nonprofits also run grant-funded programs that can enroll you in (and help pay for) training or certificate programs.
Be sure to also check out your local community colleges and libraries for more information.
Starting a family doesn’t mean you have to panic—it can mean it’s time to start dreaming big!
By Joyce McCauley-Benner