Workforce Success Story Submitted By: Spokane Area Workforce Development Council
Teresa dropped out of high school her freshman year. Her family had lost their home; her mother began using drugs; and Teresa didn’t have much motivation to continue on in school. At just 16, she said she started making the wrong decisions. “I was heading down the road my mother chose for herself,” Teresa said.
Wanting to make a change, Teresa moved to Spokane in early 2012. She went to WorkSource Spokane, the local one-stop. Staff there directed her to the Next Generation Zone, the area’s only youth career and employment center, which was created by the Spokane Area Workforce Development Council. She connected with program specialist Jessica Cato, who helped her get a driver’s license, get her old high school transcripts and sign up for a GED class. She earned her GED in August 2012. Jessica then helped Teresa as she prepared for her next step into community college.
Teresa is now enrolled at Spokane Community College and working to become a dental assistant. At just 18, Teresa is well on her way to achieving her goals. “Finding someone to help you and who is willing to understand what you want is not easy. The Next Generation Zone, Jessica, and everyone else who helped and believed in me gave me an opportunity that changed my life in less than a year,” she said. “I thank them for everything.”
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