Jacqueline’s Story: “Wanting You to Win in Real Life”

As an IOCP client, Jacqueline had come to the building to meet with staff plenty of times.

But this time was different. This was a pinning ceremony.

Jacqueline had just completed her nursing program, but her cohort’s pinning ceremony was cancelled. Knowing she was disappointed, Natalie and Ruth from our Employment Services team held one for her.

Ruth, who used to be a nurse herself, placed the pin on Jacqueline, who was fully outfitted in her crisp white nursing uniform and surrounded by family members.

“I cried,” Jacqueline admits. “And the thing is, I’d rather have Ruth pin me.”

She’s been working with Ruth and Natalie from the Employment Services team as part of a long-term program for people ready to pursue higher education to increase their income.

But Jacqueline’s road to this moment goes back even farther: She experienced homelessness as a child and again as a young mother.

“That was a driving force – never to go back to that again.”

Now, she’s in what she describes as “a full circle moment that is also a beginning.”

Just weeks after the ceremony, she’s starting a new job as a pediatric nurse. She shares that she’s most excited about putting what she’s learned into action.

Jacqueline reflects on what – or who – in her IOCP experience has made the biggest impact on her life. She credits rent assistance with allowing her to keep up with studying and be present with her kids. Support from Ruth and Natalie, such as resume help and career exploration guidance, was also integral to her success.

“They’re always gonna be a part of my journey,” she assures, adding that she even plans to put photos from the ceremony in her scrapbook. “I don’t think they realized how motivating it was to have people on your team who are wanting you to win in real life.”

And win she did. For Jacqueline, the pin on her chest represents more than a credential. It’s proof that the little girl who once had no home now has a career, a future, and a team that believed in her.

Know someone who could use support finding a better paying job? IOCP’s employment services help community members facing barriers to stable, living wage work. Learn more at iocp.org/services.