“This time I surrendered,” said Antranette in 2009. She realized she’d have to permanently change her surroundings to change her life. Over the previous twenty years, she tried many rehabilitation programs and transitional housing, but she always returned to her old neighborhood and family. As much as she didn’t want to leave her children in foster care, it was the only way she could fix herself. Finally, she did just that—fixed herself. And now she’s living in WHC housing and working hard with her children by her side.
Every time Antranette filled out a job application, she checked off the box that said she had a high school diploma. It wasn’t true so she made a commitment to herself and studied hard to get her GED in 2010. She set a goal and she met it—a first! Now she’s setting another goal of obtaining certification in sign language.
She learned many things about herself through the Women’s Housing Coalition’s Women Working Wonders program and in an internship at a local newspaper. She’s proud to say she has very professional customer service skills, resourceful, outgoing and has a great speaking voice. She lights up when talking about her goals of saving money, pursuing a degree and experiencing new work environments. She’s learned that in an interview situation, she can be the interviewer just as much as the interviewee. Ultimately, she’s discovered she can apply this lesson to her everyday life, not just while in an interview. These new actions are resulting in better outcomes—and the WWW has been exciting and enlightening for Antranette
Women Working Wonders employment development program offers 25 residents a new way to career planning. After a thorough assessment of their education, skills and past experiences, each 8-week session led by two experienced corporate job coaches includes career path planning and assessment, goal setting, resume writing, the job search and cultivating a professional image.