Kara Gearhart is a Dislocated Worker participant from the Greater Flint Health Coalitionʼs Flint Healthcare Employment Opportunities (FHEO) Program, a GST Michigan Works! service provider. Before joining the FHEO Program, Kara was a waitress but was interested in a career that would allow her to give back to others and would also provide job security.

During her time with the FHEO Program, Kara completed 120 hours of Life Skills and Healthcare Career Exploration training at Flint Strive. Kara shared that her experience at Flint Strive was, “a real eye opener. You think you know everything when it comes to applications, job seeking, and being a professional until you go to Flint Strive.” She added that the instructors are dedicated to helping people and that the diverse classroom setting gave her the opportunity to learn from others. After this pre-employment training, Kara worked with her FHEO Program Career Advisor to register for Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration training at Ross Medical Education Center. The FHEO Program paid for Karaʼs tuition and in March 2022 Kara successfully graduated with her Medical Billing and Coding certificate. Kara shared that her experience at Ross Medical Education Center was challenging, but very informative and she felt supported by her instructors and classmates. She also shared that after completing training she felt prepared for any situation she may encounter in the workplace.

Before completing training, Kara was offered a position with her externship site, Hart Medical Equipment. Kara accepted the position and is currently employed as a Billing Specialist. Kara stated, “I am so thankful to be in the healthcare field like I have always dreamed of and proud of myself for making a difference every single day.”