|
|
|
|
 |
PRINT THIS ARTICLES |
 |
 |
Transformations
Lewisville, TX
|
| |
Lorelei
Charvat, Executive Director of the NCF partner, Transformations,
in Lewisville, TX tells Cristina Connections , "Our
mission is to promote the economic self-sufficiency
and personal growth for women by helping them develop
basic business skills, a strong work ethic, confidence
and self-esteem in the workplace. I can't begin to tell
you how much the Cristina Foundation has helped us to
expand our Computer Education Center and what it has
meant in the lives of the women we assist."
Lorelei shares with us the stories
of just two of the women who have participated in their
computer education program.
|
|
 |
| Tonya |
|
Transformations
first met Tonya in the Welfare-to-Work Choices Program.
After years of bouncing from one job to another, in
and out of relationships and on and off welfare, Tonya
was going to have to make a serious commitment to
herself, her children, and her future, or risk losing
her benefits and be out on her own.
We offered Tonya
the opportunity to work with Transformations' Computer
Education Center. Because she had some computer knowledge,
she began with the self-paced tutorials. As she progressed,
she saw that she could master skills that would allow
her a better choice of employment opportunities. Tonya
began to work with our classes, mastering the more
advanced functions of Microsoft's Word, Excel, and
PowerPoint.
Tonya obtained
employment as a general office clerk which allows
her to utilize her new computer skills and offers
the opportunity for advancement. She now enjoys providing
her kids with clothes, toys, and lunch at McDonald's
without the worry of how her rent will be paid or
if her phone will be cut off.
After nine
months of employment, Tonya has continued to use Transformations
to master new computer programs and, in another three
months, will be off public assistance and completely
self-sufficient.
|
|
|
| |
|
Vicki
|
| |
Vicki came to Transformations
through a women's abuse shelter. With a high school education
and a work history revolving around retail and food service,
it would be difficult for Vicki to obtain employment that
would allow her to support herself and her children.
She entered Transformation's
computer education training and started with the basics:
keyboarding and data entry. Six weeks after entering
the shelter and Transformations, Vicki found employment
as a receptionist at a car dealership. For the first
time in 10 years Vicki was able to stand on her own.
She received assistance with housing and daycare and
began to move forward.
After six months as a receptionist,
Vicki applied for--and got--an administrative position
that had opened up in the Finance Department of the
car dealership. For the first time in Vicki's life she
is able to provide for herself and her children. Vicki
has even come back to Transformations to speak with
those getting started, offering encouragement and inspiration.
|
|
|
Lorelei
Charvat concludes
|
|
| "The National
Cristina Foundation has allowed Transformations to expand
its computer education and help more women like Vicki
and Tonya. Computers not only aid in teaching, they foster
self-esteem and confidence in the ability to achieve a
goal. All this is accomplished by the generous assistance
of the National Cristina Foundation and their contributors."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
