A New Opportunity, A New Future: Michelle’s Story, Part 2

Read Part 1 of Michelle's story here.

When we last shared Michelle’s story, she was preparing to pursue phlebotomy training with support from the Student Success Fund at Solutions for Change. 

Now, Michelle has completed her phlebotomy training program and passed her state board exam to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician. With this milestone complete, she’s looking ahead to the next stage of her journey: gaining clinical experience and beginning a career in healthcare.

Turning Training into Opportunity

Michelle began her phlebotomy training in September, building on her previous experience as a veterinary assistant and her time working in an assisted living facility.

She described the program as a positive experience, highlighting the convenient schedule and the quality of instruction. Passing her exam was an exciting accomplishment.

Now, she’s working to secure an externship where she can complete the 40 hours of clinical experience needed for her next step toward employment. She’s exploring opportunities at different facilities, with a particular interest in working in a hospital setting. Clinics are another option as she looks for the right opportunity to gain hands-on experience.

Once she completes her clinical hours, Michelle will be able to pursue employment opportunities in the field and begin putting her training into practice.

A Future Built on Stability

For Michelle, this career milestone represents more than professional development. It’s part of her ongoing effort to build a stable future for her family.

As she raises her young son, Vincent, Michelle is continuing to work toward long-term goals that include stable housing and reunification with her three older children.

Securing employment will be an important part of that process, helping her work toward greater financial independence and the stability her family needs. While there are still steps ahead, Michelle is excited to keep moving forward.

Her journey is a reminder that lasting change happens one milestone at a time. Access to education and career training can help parents develop new skills, pursue employment, and move closer to the future they envision for their families.

The Power of the Student Success Fund

Michelle’s phlebotomy training was made possible by the generosity of donors who contributed to the Student Success Fund. Their support helped cover the cost of her training, giving her access to an opportunity to develop new skills and pursue a career in healthcare.

When asked what she would like to share with the donors who made this opportunity possible, Michelle expressed her gratitude:

“I’m very, very, very grateful...obviously, this wouldn’t have been possible without them. So, I’m very thankful that I had this opportunity.”

The Student Success Fund helps remove financial barriers that can prevent parents from pursuing education and career development. By investing in opportunities like Michelle’s phlebotomy training, donors help parents take meaningful steps toward employment and greater stability.

Thank you to the donors who make opportunities like this possible. Your generosity helps parents continue building toward a more stable future for themselves and their children. Michelle’s journey is still unfolding, and we look forward to seeing what comes next.

If you want to help support our families, you can learn more about our Student Success Fund here.