Desmeanna Rivers is an Out of School Youth participant from the Greater Flint Health Coalitionʼs Flint Healthcare Employment Opportunities (FHEO) Program, a GST Michigan Works! service provider. Desmeanna first heard about the FHEO Program when she saw an advertisement on Facebook. She was working in a factory at the time but had the desire to pursue a career in healthcare so she could provide care to elderly residents.

While in the Program, Desmeanna completed 120 hours of Life Skills and Healthcare Career Exploration training hosted by Flint Strive. Desmeanna shared that the most important lesson she learned during this training was to always be punctual and how to present herself professionally. Desmeanna began Certified Nurse Assistant training at Charter Healthcare Training Center in January 2022. The FHEO Program covered the cost of tuition and required classroom materials such as textbooks and scrubs for Desmeanna. She stated that, “the staff at Charter Healthcare Training Center was amazing. I learned many new skills that prepared me for the workplace. Ms. Roby is best instructor you can have!”

Once completed with her training, the FHEO Program placed Desmeanna in a subsidized employment opportunity with McLaren Flint. During this work experience, Desmeanna was able to apply her newly acquired skillswhile learning more about dementia and preventative care. In June 2022, Desmeanna was offered a full-time position with McLaren Flint as a Certified NurseAssistant earning $14.00 per hour. Desmeanna shared, “I am excited about my new position and am looking forward to learning more about my patients. I also enjoying working with the great nursing staff.” Desmeanna offer this advice for anyone looking to change their career path, “Always remember your worth and donʼt let anyone tell you canʼt do it. Yes, it will be hard but remember why you are doing it. It will all be worth it!”

Congratulations, Desmeanna,as you reach yourhealthcare career goals!