Christine’s Success Story: From Staying Afloat to Building a Brighter Future

Every winter, Christine’s husband is laid off from his construction job. It’s a good job, and they manage their finances carefully—but winter months are still a struggle. While they've always made it work, Christine and her husband hoped to move beyond just getting by. They wanted to be able to save for the future—for themselves and their three young children.

Christine decided it was time to take the next step. With previous experience in phlebotomy, she set her sights on earning her Phlebotomy Certification. Even as a stay-at-home mom of three, including a toddler, Christine felt confident that the timing was right. By the time she completes her classes, her two-year-old will be ready for daycare, the older two will be in school, and the family's support system—including grandparents—can help with summer childcare. Christine plans to pursue one of the many open phlebotomy positions available in northern Michigan.

Christine came to Michigan Works! for support in achieving this goal.

Thanks to WIOA Adult funding and the Barrier Removal Employment Success (BRES) program, Michigan Works! Northeast Consortium was able to help Christine overcome key obstacles. She received brand-new scrubs and shoes—her old pair had holes and hadn’t been replaced in over three years—and most importantly, a laptop with a case. Until then, Christine had been completing all her online coursework on her smartphone, still managing to earn all A's!

In addition, Michigan Works! applied for a Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG) tuition scholarship on her behalf to help cover a portion of the costs of her training.

Today, Christine is not just a stay-at-home mom - she’s also a student at North Central Michigan College, on her way to becoming a certified phlebotomist. With her determination, the support of her family, and the resources provided by Michigan Works!, Christine is building a better future for herself and her family.

She’s learned that success is within reach and that there is a strong community here to help her get there