Alicia’s Story

Alicia was 24 years old, had a three-year-old, and was five months pregnant with her second child when she joined New Moms’ Job Training program. Three years later, Alicia reflects back on her time in the Job Training program. Her experience at Bright Endeavors helped her gain employment and independence as she learned new skills. Finding friendship and mentorship through Jasmine, a fellow participant, she blossomed and came out of her shell.

Success came when she was referred to a position at the nonprofit, Helping Hand Partners, and was hired! Helping Hand Partners then created social enterprise, 1Eleven, which produces candles, soaps, and bath salts, where Alicia became Supervisor of Warehouse/Production in the spring of 2018! She directly uses the skills she gained at Bright Endeavors within her role.

Through Bright Endeavors, she discovered her creative side and how “working on a team made me feel like a leader because I was helping others who struggled. It was hard for me to recognize what my skills and strengths were—Bright Endeavors gave me a vision of what I could do.” Alicia now lives with her three children and her partner, Patrick. She enjoys braiding hair and bowling, and dreams of one day owning her own business.