FreshStart – Testimonials & Stories

Four FreshStart Foundation participants recently completed a computer training class at the FreshStart Foundation computer lab. Christine Baker, Cara Baker, James Mullins and Barbara McEntree completed the first in a series of classes taught by computer instructor Joe Durant. Christine and Cara are a mother/daughter team that took the class together. “We are very proud of these graduates,” said Shaune Eberhart, Community Supportive Services Specialist for the HOPE VI/FreshStart program. “We look forward to them continuing with the next, more advanced, level of classes.” Completion of the program came with an award of a new computer for each household. This will enable the graduates to continue working on advancing their newly developed computer skills.

ANTONIA PHILLIPS Last November, Tonia meet with Shaune Eberhart, a HOPE VI CSS Specialist, to establish her individualized plan. This plan assisted Tonia in identifying the specific steps for her to accomplish to move to selfsufficiency. The initial milestone was to receive her GED, which she accomplished officially in March, participating in a graduation ceremony on May 13th. Another goal was to obtain a better paying job. Working with Shaune and the Riverview Employment office, she was able to reach this goal by securing a position with G.R.A.C.E. Health as a home health nurse. To further enhance her earning ability and employment options, Antonia is currently attending phlebotomy classes at Kingsport Adult Education and is scheduled to complete the training on June 4th. The clinical portion of the training will occur in the near future. The FreshStart staff is extremely proud of Tonia’s accomplishments and looks forward to working with her as she continues to progress in reaching her dreams. The FreshStart staff looks forward to working with you in achieving your dreams. We would love to showcase YOU as our next Spotlight on Success!