Anna Koeller: Redefining Yourself
Anna was a single mom with her children ages 3, 4, 6, and 13, facing severe financial hardship. Anna was able to receive food and cash benefits and was referred to MERS Goodwill. MERS Goodwill provides employment and training services to individuals receiving benefits.
MERS Goodwill referred Anna to Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services where she and her children received counseling. She was unable to fully participate in the Missouri Work Assistant (MWA) program for a year as childcare was the hardest barrier to overcome. Moreover, times got more tough as her home was foreclosed on but was referred to HUD for housing and subsequently moved to secure housing. However, childcare was still a barrier until a childcare facility expanded, and she was able to get her two youngest children enrolled.
Anna achieved her MWA requirements by obtaining community work experience at East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) by serving in the Customer Services Representative position, where she excelled and enjoyed her time there. Her evaluations were always good, and she was able to secure backup transportation during the school’s winter break, so the work continued.
A job opening for a Customer Services Representative became available at EMAA, where Anna applied and was hired on December 28, 2023. MWA continued to help her by purchasing work clothes. Anna continues to enjoy working at EMAA and now has a goal to be promoted to a supervisor’s or director’s position in the future.
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 Missouri Work Assistance Program is Missouri’s employment and training program for Temporary Assistance recipients. The MWA program is funded through the Administration for Children and Families, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant
Additional Resources
- 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.
Our Mission: Empower Missourians to live safe, healthy, and productive lives.
SUBSCRIBER SERVICES:
Manage Subscriptions | Help
Update or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.
|
