Stories of Family Wellness and Stability
"Back on my feet": Mom of two earns credential training through financial hardships
"Before GROWWTH, I was working as a medical receptionist. I had just had my second child and was facing financial hardship as a single mother trying to get back on my feet." Daniqua recalls.
Looking for a way to create a more stable future for her family, Daniqua, a Gibson County resident, enrolled in the GROWWTH program in July 2025. Shortly after joining, she completed GROWWTH Academy and began exploring opportunities to advance her career. With support from the program, she pursued credential training as a sterile processing technician, a field she was passionate about entering.
"The GROWWTH program helped me by paying for my training, as well as other milestones that I completed, and gave me financial assistance in certain areas that I struggled in," she said.
That support helped Daniqua stay focused on her goals. After completing her training, she successfully transitioned into a new career and secured employment in the field she worked hard to enter.
"I am currently at the stage where I completed training and now work in the field that I went to school for," Daniqua said.
Today, she is proud of how far she has come.
"I am currently working as a sterile processing technician, which I did go to school for, with assistance from GROWWTH," she shared.
Her journey reflects the impact that targeted training, financial support, and determination can have on a person's life. From overcoming financial hardship as a single mother to earning a credential and launching a new career, Daniqua's story is one of perseverance and growth.
"I love the program. It is like no other. They listen, help, and want to see you grow in life," she said. "I recommend it every chance I get because you don't come across help like this often, and sometimes all you need is a little extra help to get you where you need to be."
Just this month in August, Daniqua earned her first employment milestone of working 30 days at a new higher wage job.
Through hard work and the support of GROWWTH, Daniqua transformed a period of uncertainty into a pathway toward long-term career success and economic stability for her family.
Grounded by family, growing toward opportunity
For Jermaine, a Memphis father of five, every career step is ultimately about creating a better future for his family.
"My kids are my biggest motivation," Jermaine said. "They keep me grounded. They keep me level-headed."
That commitment to his children shapes nearly every decision he makes, including his participation in GROWWTH. From attending workshops to meeting with his case manager, Jermaine intentionally schedules his GROWWTH activities around his children's needs, determined to invest in both his family's present and their future.
After learning about GROWWTH through another participant, Jermaine enrolled in May 2026 ready to strengthen his professional skills, expand his career opportunities, and build greater confidence.
His dedication quickly began producing results.
At GROWWTH's community job fair held on May 29 at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Jermaine connected with representatives from Give Clean, a commercial cleaning company. That connection led to a job offer, an important milestone on his path toward long-term career success and financial stability for his family.
While celebrating this achievement, Jermaine continues looking ahead. He remains interested in pursuing careers in HVAC, emergency medical services, and other service-oriented professions where he can work with children and older adults. He is also a music producer with a home recording studio and hopes to develop his entrepreneurial interests while learning HVAC skills alongside a family member who owns an HVAC business.
Like many parents working to build a new career, Jermaine recognized there were skills he wanted to strengthen. He wanted to become a stronger communicator, improve his job-search techniques, stay motivated, and present himself more confidently to employers.
One opportunity to build those skills came through GROWWTH's Polished and Prepared workshop, where participants learned professional etiquette, interviewing techniques, and strategies for making a positive first impression.
"I learned how to introduce myself and develop an elevator pitch," Jermaine said. "I also became more conscious of the small things, like being late, chewing gum, being on your phone. I had those bad habits, but I know better now."
The workshop reinforced that professionalism is often communicated through everyday habits, helping participants approach interviews with greater confidence and preparation.
For Jermaine, the journey is about more than employment. It is about becoming the father, professional, and role model he wants his children to see.
"It's actually great being a father," he said. "It teaches me patience. I'm in all my kids' lives, so the GROWWTH program benefits me and is definitely a good thing."
When asked what he would tell someone considering GROWWTH, his answer reflected his own experience.
"Everyone should try GROWWTH," he said. "It's only bettering your life and giving you the skills that you need professionally. The name says it all, GROWWTH. You're trying to build, move forward, and aspire in life."
Jermaine's story illustrates what can happen when determination meets opportunity. By connecting parents with career coaching, professional development, and direct access to employers, GROWWTH helps participants take meaningful steps toward sustainable employment and brighter futures for their families. For Jermaine, that journey is already well underway.
Danielle's Story: Finding confidence to build a better future
Economic stability for most GROWWTH participants is more than simply a matter of income. A personal mindset became a top factor for West Tennessee parents on their journey to family wellness. Danielle, a Shelby County resident with a six-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son, has struggled with her own mental wellness while identifying her career goals.
"Since I'm originally from Tallahassee, Florida, it's a community thing for me," Danielle said. "There is so much support within GROWWTH. After my son was born, I developed post-partum depression. The mental health resources have changed the lens on how I look at my situation. I've been taken out of 'victim' mode and expanded to âbecoming,â having overcome as a survivor. It's been a loving and encouraging experience as GROWWTH has poured into me like family. GROWWTH saw me when I didn't know what I was doing or I saw myself as 'just a mother.' GROWWTH saw me for many more reasons."
A wide range of supportive services through GROWWTH including Cognitive Behavior Therapy sessions, weekly virtual mindfulness sessions, milestone payments and parent-focused workshops, pushed Danielle towards stronger acceptance of herself and her career goals.
"My confidence has come back," Danielle said. "I was a shell when I first started GROWWTH. I didn't want to talk about what I was going through, I felt like I was stuck in that place and I didn't see an out. GROWWTH has helped me blossom, like a rebirth or a reset. I want to unpack, process, and change. I'm making adjustments, changing, and it's all working out great."
Danielle is on schedule to complete her CNA certification in summer 2026 and pursue dreams of helping others.
"With CNA, I've realized, I love helping people," Danielle added. "I have never met a stranger. Just being a part of making things better for others is something I love."
Meet Draven: GROWWTH guidance secured her new professional certification
On March 26, Draven strode out into the large foyer in Rose Theater on the UofM campus with her newly prized possession in hand. A certificate naming her a graduate of the universityâs medical assisting program.
GROWWTH connected her to a certification pathway catering to her strengths and experience as a DPS (Direct Support Professional).
âIâd wanted to pursue medical assisting since I have been a DSP since 2016,â Draven said. âI wanted to further my education. Actually, both my sisters and I applied to GROWWTH. One of them finished their certification as a phlebotomist.â
Along with caring for her own children, Draven, a resident of Gibson County, is pursuing specialized positions working in pediatrics. She credits strong direction and coaching from GROWWTH to help her find her path to economic stability.
âGROWWTH is a very helpful program,â Draven said. âGood people there guide you through what you need. As a participant, youâre never left alone; they check up on you. Itâs a very good avenue to pursue your dreams.â
Barriers for Draven are familiar to many parents, balancing life.
âFor me, because I did online courses, I was still taking care of my family and children, while working on top of that,â Draven explained. âNavigating all this not to mention my sister passing away at the end of the last academic quarter, that was huge. I thought maybe I couldnât get through. I did and was so very proud of myself.â
Weâre proud of our participantsâ commitment to completing GROWWTH. More economically stable families means a more economically stable west Tennessee.
Trineka experienced support with a personal touch thanks to GROWWTH
Trineka sought firm direction in her life before becoming a GROWWTH Participant. Hardships in her life came in many forms including an assault charge, homelessness and not able to have all six of her children under one roof.
Originally from Mississippi, this Memphis mom learned about GROWWTH while reopening her case to receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
âI saw this brochure for GROWWTH and I grabbed it,â Trineka said. âI thought Iâd give it a try. Iâm not making a lot of money, Iâm on Section 8, and this is not how I want my life to be. I searched GROWWTH online and completed the application form. A GROWWTH intake specialist called me back and asked me a round of questions. I was accepted.â
After she went through GROWWTH Academy, a core element of the GROWWTH Program, while continuing to work at McDonaldâs, she knew something more was needed.
âAt that time, I had to move out of my house in east Memphis into a rooming house,â Trineka said. âI signed up for the BankWork$ program. I spoke with the instructor and secured my spot. Eight weeks later, I graduated from BankWork$. In March of last year, I began working for Independent Bank as a teller.â
Trineka credits GROWWTH not only for our opportunities to connect with training providers but our support services with a personal touch.
âWhen we didnât have gas money, they helped me with gas, clothing, and light bills when I didnât have the money, food, all of this,â Trineka said. âCurrently, I am working on my credit score and getting myself together. I hadnât had mentors or people I could talk to knowing what I was going through. Everything Iâm starting to do, I owe it to GROWWTH in so many ways.â
Meet Richard: a GROWWTH father going above and beyond
âProcrastination will leave you hungry.â
Those words echo in Richardâs mind as a dad of six living in Union City. His children have seen him in handcuffs. Theyâve seen him in court proceedings. His mission now is to show them a better path in life.
Richard enrolled in GROWWTH after a friend convinced him to give it a chance.
âI was kind of iffy, like every other program that promises to help you excel in life,â Richard said. âIâve tried a couple different programs in Union City. They donât do the things that the GROWWTH program does.â
Accessibility to his GROWWTH Case Manager, Marcia Fields, was one of the first things that impressed him. He faced urgent decisions to provide for his precious family.
âIf my wife and I had faced an issue, I could text Miss Marcia, âWhat do you think about this or that?â. Sheâd respond with something we didnât even think about,â he explained. âThere were jobs I couldnât get because of my background. When my friend introduced me to the GROWWTH program, I thought Iâd found a program that catered to felons. My friend said, âIt caters to your family as long as you do the program and learn.â I thought, âOk, well, let me check this out.â I met (Marcia Fields) and she would go out of her way to see if I was alright. Did this job application go okay, did this interview work out or how am I doing in this job? Do I see myself working this job any longer?â
GROWWTH connected Richard with training provider partner Road Runner Driving School. As part of his GROWWTH journey, Richard had to set long-term career goals. His dream is to own his own trucking company. Until then, he is earning his CDL as a left-handed driver.
âTrying to learn everything with my right hand, switching gears, backing up, itâs all new,â laughed Richard. âI was terrified of the truck before I even got in it. The instructor is coaching me and now Iâd wish Iâd done this ten or fifteen years ago.â
Richard is leaving his past behind to model the best fatherhood he can. When asked the question, âWhatâs it like to be a father?â, he battles in his mind to find one answer. Heâs overcome with several answers.
âItâs a compromise. Itâs a lifestyle. Being a father is hard. Itâs a hard question to answer. I struggle to keep a smile on my face so my kids donât see different,â Richard says. âMy kids donât know how close they were to being outside. I go through struggles; some people wouldnât be able to hold inside.â
Richard takes several pauses while on the phone to compose his rising emotions. He said itâs a question no one has ever asked him before.
âYou have so many lives in your hands. Those lives are precious. You canât watch those lives diminish. Theyâre a part of you. They want to see you always succeed and doing something better,â Richard goes on. âWhen they see you break down or stressing, they know. Something about daddy isnât right. They pay closer attention to you than you do to them and you want them to see the good. You donât want them to see you in a bad way. Sometimes you canât hide it. Let them know right from wrong. Sit down and tell them right from wrong. Then let them see daddy trying, going to school, working third shift, going above and beyond...Procrastination will leave you hungry. Youâre going to do everything you can for them. This coming from a man who grew up without a dad. Iâm in my kidsâ lives. Iâm going to do everything I can for them.â
"I can do hard things": Brittani shifted her mindset to a calling of helping others
Brittani enrolled in GROWWTH Acacdemy last year. Our curriculum-based program is designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in seeking a high-quality job, starting a credential training program and/or Microbusiness Bootcamp. Brittani started he coursework drawing little confidence she would follow-though her intention to complete GROWWTH Academy.
Brittani enrolled in GROWWTH Acacdemy last year. Our curriculum-based program is designed
to equip individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in seeking a high-quality
job, starting a credential training program and/or Microbusiness Bootcamp. Brittani
started he coursework drawing little confidence she would follow-though her intention
to complete GROWWTH Academy.âWhen I first began I had very little confidence in my capabilities, and I lacked purpose," Brittani said. "After participating in the online academy class, I realized the problem wasnât who I was but in how I thought."
She struggled with a negative attitude and counted herself unable to fully commit to GROWWTH's teachings.
"I would count myself out before I would even begin," Brittani explained. "When I became aware of this from one of the GROWWTH Academy classes, I learned that change in my thinking was possible and necessary. This past year I have made goals for myself in a career change."
Brittani, who resides in Obion County, is aiming to finish her undergraduate degree while learing how to be more economically stable and save money.
I work for a child advocacy center in my community where we help children in traumatic situations. In this job I have decided my calling is to help others, so I enrolled at City Vision University where I am working to earn a bachelorâs degree in Addiction Counseling.
Brittani is set on beating the statistics and work through the challenges to secure a better future.
"What Iâve discovered about myself is that I can do hard things," Brittani added. "No matter where I came from or what statistics say about me, growth is possible."
Ella: A Southwest American Job Center Success Story
Ella has worked in the real estate ïŹnance industry over four decades, mainly because it has never felt like work.
âWhen I considered retiring, I realized my passion for the industry is still very strong and my desire to continue growing, learning, supporting and participating in the industry is equally strong.â With the support of the Crews Microbusiness Center and as a Cohort 2 participant with GROWWTH, Ella transitioned into solopreneurship in April 2024, becoming owner and principal of ECH Consulting Services, LLC.âŻâŻ
According to Ella, ECH Consulting Services aims to foster sustainable growth in homeownership, estate planning, and cultural collaboration within historically underserved communities.
On June 22, 2024, during National Homeownership Month, ECH Consulting Services collaborated and hosted a Homebuyer Expo with THDA, NAREB, and sponsored participants Century C21 Action Realty, Madison County District 2 Councilman Johnny Dodd, First Bank, First Horizon, Hiller, Bank of England, Leaders Credit Union, and Regions Bank. According Ella, âSeveral attendees expressed a desire to be homeowners within the next 12-24 months. We will work with them to pursue this goal.â In addition to helpful information, the expo also included free lunch, prizes, and a Proclamation presented from the Madison County Mayorâs ofïŹce by Councilman Richard Donnell.
Harris expressed her gratitude to GROWWTH for the support, opportunity, and resources.
âGROWWTH helped me realize a dream!" Ella said.
Meet Pierre: A single father setting a strong example
Pierre has been making strides toward personal and professional growth since enrolling in our program.
âAfter becoming disabled because of congenital heart failure since 2017, Iâve found it impossible to secure employment in my field of 15 years. I needed a transition and the GROWWTH Program provided just that. For the last several years Iâve felt like I was wasting away, but GROWWTH offered me a path forward. This opportunity renewed my sense of purpose.â
As part of his journey, Pierre began pursuing industry-recognized CompTIA certifications, including A+, Network+, and Security+. These certifications equip him with essential IT skills and opportunities in technology-driven industries. Through the GROWWTH Program, Pierre has been able to access the resources and support needed to excel in his credential training.
Building on his newfound skills and confidence, Pierre participated in the Fall 2024 City Hackathon in Memphis, from November 15 to 17 at ÌÇĐÄvlogĂÛÌÒ' FedEx Institute of Technology. This 36-hour event brought together over 100 creative and technical volunteers to develop innovative solutions to civic challenges, including improving transportation for job access.
âIâm working on my resume, taking part on side projects and even applied to Elon Muskâs new data center. After receiving my certification, I want to work in cyber security, becoming self-sufficient and no longer relying on disability benefits. As a single father with two daughters in high school, I want to make sure they have everything they need. I want to set a strong example of perseverance for them.â
Pierre's journey is a testament to how the GROWWTH Program empowers individuals to achieve both personal development and community impact. His accomplishments highlight the transformative power of education, collaboration, and innovation.
Thriving Against the Odds: Jessica's journey with GROWWTH
Jessica has her sights to one day be the U.S. Secretary of Education. Until then, she is making the most of her GROWWTH journey while being an inspiration to her daughter.
A native mid-westerner, Jessica is thriving in Memphis after navigating the trenches of poverty. Leaving a rocky marriage in North Carolina left her to stand on her own. Now, she and her partner care for their daughter, Danica, and Jessica is mapping out a future for success.
Her passions for childcare, education and leadership sparked Jessica to pursue a masterâs degree while eyeing the nationâs top education role. Through her time at the University of Memphis, she learned about a program helping parents acquire the needed resources for economic stability, GROWWTH.
âMy professor, who was over my internship at the time, she told me about GROWWTH,â Jessica explained. âI was in the childcare field and GROWWTH aids parents who are trying to open daycares. I said âYes! I cannot wait!â So, I signed up.â
Enrolling in GROWWTH Academy, competing the required coursework and earning her milestone payments afforded Jessica a way to both fund a new vehicle but also give her daughter a memorable birthday party.
âWe needed a new car,â said Jessica. âI had to put a down payment like $3,000. I got my down payment and paid for my daughterâs birthday. She enjoyed it and had a great time. Those little extra things that my partner sees as something to spend your money up; those are memories to me. I wouldnât have been able to create these memories for her if just left to our means.â
Seeing the progress to self-sufficiency prompted Jessica to join the microbusiness development program with GROWWTH and bring to life her side business of balloon art.
âThere were some unforeseen licensing stipulations for opening a daycare we weren't aware of,â Jessica said. âI had already developed a business plan for the home-based balloon business, so we went ahead with that. Some people arrange the balloons, cute designs with them tied together. Iâve done unicorns, a whole elephant, pregnant women, where you pop the belly and balloons come out. Iâve done Mardi Gras masks, Arabian globes. Iâm very creative and try to do things nobody else has.â
The value for Jessica is remaining flexible in her work life while remaining attentive to her daughterâs educational needs and life events.
âThis is an opportunity to step out on your own, create your own path in being flexible for life. Thatâs what weâre searching for now. Itâs no longer about the 9 to 5. Everybodyâs looking for remote, hybrid, we need it to fit our lives. I still want to be a mother. I donât want to give that up to the state and allow the school to raise my child. When I do balloons, I step back to look and surprise myself. I can motivate my daughter through this journey as well.â
Building Better: Emily is on track to a high-quality career with GROWWTH
Emily connected with GROWWTH after learning about us through her work at the American Job Center. Her drive for a high-quality career pushed her to take advantage of GROWWTHâs opportunities for accelerated workforce readiness programs.
âI participated in the GROWWTH Academy where I learned a wide variety of skills and tips on how to build a successful career,â Emily said. âI was able to use the certification from the GROWWTH Academy on my resume.â
With that certification, Emily pursued a position with the state of Tennessee.
âOne month after completing the program I was offered the job and accomplished the goal I had set for myself,â Emily explained. âI still use the very same tips I learned in the Academy with my career and everyday life.â
GROWWTH Case Managers Joy Cooper and Marcia Fields worked with Emily to set the goals and hopes she wanted for her career on the path to economic stability.
âEnrolling in GROWWTH changed my life for the better and I canât thank the GROWWTH staff enough for helping me through every step of the process,â Emily added.
West Tennessee parents have options for better opportunities on the journey to economic stability.
Meet Temica: Our guidance led her to a new job
Our friend, Temica, knows the struggle of getting a high-quality job to support her family. As a mother of six, her focus remains caring for her family the best way she can.
Once faced with discrimination at her previous job, she sought resolution which didnât last long. Temica was already familiar with the GROWWTH program from engaging pharmacy customers who also struggled with financial stability.
âI was just getting frustrated,â Temica explained. âIt was taking a toll on me and I felt like it was best to quit. I had already started the GROWWTH enrollment process at that time.â
As a GROWWTH participant, our accelerated workforce readiness program and resources funded the necessary training needed for Temicaâs certification as a Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomist.
The opportunities to break financial barriers in her life led her to a new job this month.
âIâm starting as a pharmacy technician in April,â Temica said. âGROWWTH gives me a lot of confidence.â
Also, after attending the GROWWTH Microbusiness Bootcamp, Temica is ready to launch her own business.
âItâs going to be K&S Mobile Services,â Temica said. âEven though Iâm a phlebotomist, Iâm not looking to incorporate that right now, but I am a skilled drug screener. I will be a mobile drug screener and a mobile notary public.â
GROWWTH guides our participants to ensure success continues in the lives of west Tennessee parents like Temica.
âI received notifications about jobs listings, continuing education, assistance for housing and utilities. It all helps,â Temica added. âYou donât know all resources out there and with GROWWTH itâs like a family that has a group chat and keeps you informed.â