When I was thirteen years old my father felt that he could no longer deal with my unruly behavior, so he sent me to live with my mother and step-father. After living there for a couple of years, my step-father started molesting me. I decided to run away from home. I ended up on the streets, sleeping in doorways. I had no food or money.
Several times I had tried to quit on my own, but he would always find me again and put me right back on the streets. This went on for many years and I was losing my pride, self-respect, and dignity.
When Kathy came to ETD to give them her GED scores, she had no idea that her friends were waiting there to congratulate her with a surprise celebration! ETD presented Kathy with a certificate of achievement, a spa gift certificate and a gift basket. (left to right) ETD Vice President, Antoinette Wirth; Kathy’s GED Instructor, Ginda Gruse; ETD Job Developer, Red Varner; Kathy Lyons; Kathy’s daughter, LaTrease Love; Kathy’s Job Developer, Elaine DeFalco holds Kathy’s GED scores; Kathy’s FIA case worker, Angela McIntire; ETD Job Developer, Robert McDonell.
Ms. McIntire sent me to an agency (the Wayne Service Center) called Employment & Training Designs, Inc. (ETD). She told me that they could help me get a job. When I first walked into ETD, I was scared and nervous. Not knowing what to expect, I sat there listening to every word they had to say. I met a woman named Jan Wilham who explained to me the process and help that ETD had to offer. Jan made me feel comfortable about being there and she also made me realize that even though I had no education or job skills, it wasn’t too late to turn my life around.
After spending a few hours with Jan, she sent me to the education department that is run by Ginda. After taking a GED test that Ginda had given to me, I decided that I needed a little help with a couple of subjects before I would be able to take the state test. Ginda was so helpful and patient with me. She made me feel smarter than I really am. She believed in me even though I didn’t believe in myself.
Kathy gives Elaine DeFalco a big hug as ETD Job Developer Red Varner and Kathy’s daughter LaTrease Love tearfully look on.
She made me realize that I could do anything I wanted to (even with my background). She gave me hope for a new life and a better future for myself but most of all, a better future for my children.
Kathy and Dean Perusse, who drove Kathy to training and GED classes.
Everyone at ETD has been so helpful with helping me to reach my goals. I really appreciate everyone there and how kind they were to me.
Not only did everyone at ETD help me achieve these goals that I had set for myself, they helped me to feel better about myself.
I will never forget all of their help. My life is so much easier to endure now that I have a real job and the respect that my children now have for me again. Thank you ETD and your staff members for everything that you have done for me and my children. If it wasn’t for you, I would still be lost!
Kathy received her GED on June 6 of this year. She is currently enrolled in Schoolcraft Community College Registered Nurse program.