As a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipient, Audrey qualified to enroll in our Health Careers NW program. Health Careers NW prepares participants for training in healthcare career pathways, supports them through training completion, to help them find careers that offer familysustaining employment. While working at the Portland Airport to make ends meet, Audrey began her journey to becoming a medical assistant (MA) in 2018.
The medical assistant program is not easy and is highly competitive. After completing the prerequisite courses, Audrey started the Health Careers NW MA program full time in 2019. During the program’s second term, Audrey and her family of five survived an apartment fire. They lost their home and everything they owned. As a single mom, this unexpected disaster strained her finances. Thanks to the assistance of a Health Careers NW career coach, Audrey received housing assistance from the A Home for Everyone Program. They helped her find a new apartment and provided rent support during most of the training program.
Despite the significant setback and hardship, Audrey never missed a single class. She graduated from the Medical Assistant program and was hired at the Central City Concern treatment facility in March 2020. In two years, Audrey went from losing her housing to making over $18.00 an hour as a certified medical assistant.
“I almost never thought the day would come that I would finally be a medical assistant. I am grateful to all the support received from the program and staff to help me achieve my goal and provide better opportunities for my family.” ~Audrey
