FSS Newsletter :: March 2003
Quote of the Month
The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand,
but in what
direction we are moving.
—
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Rachele Richards – An Inspirational FSS Success Story
Rachele
Richards is achieving goals and striving to accomplish more.
Recently, Rachele graduated from the FSS Program and was
able to receive the balance in her escrow account. What follows
is a list of her accomplishments and other items about herself
that she discussed with Marty upon her successful completion
of the program.
In December 2002, she graduated from Stark
State College of Technology with an Associate Degree in Occupational
Therapy Assistance. Rachele had previously received a $500
scholarship through TMHA’s professional association,
the Ohio Housing Authorities Conference. A reward for her
academic excellence.
In January 2003, she obtained full-time
employment with The Nursing Home Group as an Occupational
Therapy Assistant. In that position, Rachele is responsible
for working with patients in a rehabilitative capacity. Duties
include assisting with daily living skills and activities,
working to improve motor coordination, neuro-muscular re-education,
memory therapy and therapeutic activities with stroke victims,
developing home exercise plans and working with family members
to carry out the rehabilitation activities.
Rachele is very
excited to have earned her degree and is looking forward
to beginning her chosen career. When asked to discuss some
challenges and obstacles that she has overcome, Rachele mentioned
the following:
- Focusing on the challenges of single parenting while
working part-time and attending school full-time,
- living frugally and learning to budget, especially during
the 4 month period where she was required to do Clinicals
with no pay,
- and staying focused on her goals and being determined
to succeed when things would become overwhelming.
She does
believe that budgeting experience will come in handy as
she pursues her future goals.
As for future goals, Rachele
has established a few of those as well. After spotting an
article about homeownership classes in the FSS Newsletter,
she signed up and completed the Homebuyer Education Learning
Program which was offered through Harcatus. She indicated
that it was a great learning experience and she can also
qualify for some potential down payment assistance to buy
her own home. She is saving her escrow check for just that
purpose.
Additionally, she would very much like to return
to school in the future to pursue a Master’s Degree
in Occupational Therapy. When asked about her interests and
what motivated her to succeed, Rachele indicated that meeting
and working with people has always been her primary interest
as well as enjoying music. The motivating factor that she
most credits is her now 7 year old son Dorian who is in the
first grade. She realizes that she is the primary role
model that he will have in his life and wants to teach him
that with hard work and determination, obstacles and challenges
can be overcome.
The staff at TMHA would like to congratulate
Rachele on all of her fine
achievements so far and wish her the best of luck as she
strives to
accomplish more. Great job Rachele!
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