SkillUP Success Stories: Raja Elamin

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March 15, 2023

SkillUP Success Stories

Raja Elamin: Life Changing

Nine years ago, Raja Elamin and her husband moved to the United States from Wad Madani, a city in east central Sudan, in Africa. In order to make ends meet, she worked in a warehouse with long hours and harsh working conditions. Not long after, she and her husband found themselves unemployed, with a desperate yearning to go back to school.

As Raja was a SNAP participant, she qualified for the SkillUP program, and working with her case manager, she was able to begin her education journey at Metropolitan Community College (MCC), where she worked hard to complete the English as a Second Language Program. Upon finishing that program, she began MCC’s Phlebotomy program and successfully graduated in May of 2022!

Phlebotomy

In a happy coincidence, Raja was assigned clinical hours at University Health, the very hospital where she gave birth to her son. She was without insurance during her pregnancy and delivery and she always felt a sense of gratitude to the facility that offered her such personal care. Coming full circle, after her clinical hours were complete, she was offered a job and is still a proud University Health employee today!

Raja says SkillUP and the MCC Phlebotomy program changed her life. She and her family were able to move to a new apartment, buy new furniture, and she is even able to send money to her parents who still live in Wad Madani.

Raja is proud of her accomplishments, and we are proud of her! Congratulations to Raja and her incredible SkillUP, and MCC, teams!

Raja Graduation photo

Read more SkillUP Success Stories.


This publication/program is supported by the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the United States (U.S.) Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award by ACF/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACF/HHS, or the U.S. Government.


The SkillUP program is Missouri’s employment and training program for Food Stamp (SNAP) recipients. The program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. The program is also funded through the Administration for Children and Families, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant.


Additional Resources

  • The Mo Services Navigator helps you easily search statewide for programs and services you may need.
  • The Missouri Resource Guide lists resources available in Missouri to help you and your family move towards a healthier, more stable future.
  • The Missouri Job Events calendar lists job fairs, hiring events, and other scheduled opportunities that may be of interest to you.

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