Less than a year ago, Marissa Riddall and her two daughters were living in a tent. Today, Riddall has a home, a job and a new lease on life.
The 22-year-old Kelso mother credits her success to the Connect 2 Careers program, which offers free skills training and a 10-week paid internship to young adults.
“I went from being homeless with my two daughters and ex-husband … into a two-bedroom house with a garage and a yard,” Riddall said. “I give them major kudos. They can change your life.”
The Educational Service District 112 program is designed for students ages 16-24 who have not received high school diplomas or GEDs, and who earn no more than 70 percent of the federal poverty level. That’s $14,294 a year for a family of three, and $8,442 for individuals.
The program has been in place since the 1990s, and since July has served 163 at-risk youth.
Since completing the program, 60 percent have gained employment, and 15 percent have entered post-secondary education.
The program is continually enrolling, and about 60 spots are available now in Clark and Cowlitz counties.
Career specialists with the program help students graduate from high school or earn their GED, and move on to job training or college. Students are typically placed in certified nursing assistant, trades or child care training, all at no cost to them.
The program also helps students overcome other obstacles, said Becky Mohagen, a career specialist with ESD 112. Students can access bus passes, housing assistance, professional clothing and other resources through the program.
“We’re trying to take away barriers,” she said.
Riddall attended classes at the Clark County CNA Training Center, and she hopes eventually to be an elder caretaker. She continues to work one-on-one with Mohagen, who provides support for the single mother as she transitions into her new job.
“She continues to help, and it always reminds me there is an incredible amount of help and a tremendous amount of people who genuinely care,” Riddall said.
Melinda Grooms-Unruh, owner and director of the school, called the Connect 2 Careers program “very rewarding.”
“We’re seeing people who haven’t had a lot of opportunity or investment in their upcoming lives,” she said. “Being able to be sponsored and mentored by people at the ESD program, you get to see some remarkable things happen.”
After completing the program, Riddall stayed on at the school as Grooms-Unruh’s assistant. She helps sign up other students, answer questions about the program and keep the school organized.
“She’s made great progress and she’s proud of herself, and she should be,” Grooms-Unruh said.
Riddall’s most proud that she’s now able to care for her two daughters, ages 1 and 6.
She hopes her own experience will serve as an example to her children that with hard work, they can achieve their goals.
“They really can accomplish anything,” she said.
For more information or to download an application for the program, visit esd112.org/c2c.
