GROWWTH

"I can do hard things": Brittani shifted her mindset to a calling of helping others

Brittani enrolled in GROWWTH Acacdemy last year. Our curriculum-based program is designed to equip individuals with the skills necessary to succeed in seeking a high-quality job, starting a credential training program and/or Microbusiness Bootcamp. Brittani started he coursework drawing little confidence she would follow-though her intention to complete GROWWTH Academy.

“When I first began I had very little confidence in my capabilities, and I lacked purpose," Brittani said. "After participating in the online academy class, I realized the problem wasn’t who I was but in how I thought."

She struggled with a negative attitude and counted herself unable to fully commit to GROWWTH's teachings.

"I would count myself out before I would even begin," Brittani explained. "When I became aware of this from one of the GROWWTH Academy classes, I learned that change in my thinking was possible and necessary. This past year I have made goals for myself in a career change."

Brittani, who resides in Obion County, is aiming to finish her undergraduate degree while learing how to be more economically stable and save money.  

I work for a child advocacy center in my community where we help children in traumatic situations. In this job I have decided my calling is to help others, so I enrolled at City Vision University where I am working to earn a bachelor’s degree in Addiction Counseling. 

Brittani is set on beating the statistics and work through the challenges to secure a better future.

"What I’ve discovered about myself is that I can do hard things," Brittani added. "No matter where I came from or what statistics say about me, growth is possible."

Ella: A Southwest American Job Center Success Story

Ella has worked in the real estate finance industry over four decades, mainly because it has never felt like work.  

“When I considered retiring, I realized my passion for the industry is still very strong and my desire to continue growing, learning, supporting and participating in the industry is equally strong.” With the support of the Crews Microbusiness Center and as a Cohort 2 participant with GROWWTH, Ella transitioned into solopreneurship in April 2024, becoming owner and principal of ECH Consulting Services, LLC.   

According to Ella, ECH Consulting Services aims to foster sustainable growth in homeownership, estate planning, and cultural collaboration within historically underserved communities. Their vision focuses on enhancing diversity and inclusiveness in the real estate finance and sales industries. 

On June 22, 2024, during National Homeownership Month, ECH Consulting Services collaborated and hosted a Homebuyer Expo with THDA, NAREB, and sponsored participants Century C21 Action Realty, Madison County District 2 Councilman Johnny Dodd, First Bank, First Horizon, Hiller, Bank of England, Leaders Credit Union, and Regions Bank. According Ella, “Several attendees expressed a desire to be homeowners within the next 12-24 months. We will work with them to pursue this goal.” In addition to helpful information, the expo also included free lunch, prizes, and a Proclamation presented from the Madison County Mayor’s office by Councilman Richard Donnell. 

Harris expressed her gratitude to GROWWTH for the support, opportunity, and resources.

“GROWWTH helped me realize a dream!" Ella said.

Meet Pierre: A single father setting a strong example

Pierre has been making strides toward personal and professional growth since enrolling in our program.  

“After becoming disabled because of congenital heart failure since 2017, I’ve found it impossible to secure employment in my field of 15 years. I needed a transition and the GROWWTH Program provided just that. For the last several years I’ve felt like I was wasting away, but GROWWTH offered me a path forward. This opportunity renewed my sense of purpose.” 

As part of his journey, Pierre began pursuing industry-recognized CompTIA certifications, including A+, Network+, and Security+. These certifications equip him with essential IT skills and opportunities in technology-driven industries. Through the GROWWTH Program, Pierre has been able to access the resources and support needed to excel in his credential training.  

Building on his newfound skills and confidence, Pierre participated in the Fall 2024 City Hackathon in Memphis, from November 15 to 17 at University of Memphis' FedEx Institute of Technology. This 36-hour event brought together over 100 creative and technical volunteers to develop innovative solutions to civic challenges, including improving transportation for job access.  

“I’m working on my resume, taking part on side projects and even applied to Elon Musk’s new data center. After receiving my certification, I want to work in cyber security, becoming self-sufficient and no longer relying on disability benefits. As a single father with two daughters in high school, I want to make sure they have everything they need. I want to set a strong example of perseverance for them.”  

Pierre's journey is a testament to how the GROWWTH Program empowers individuals to achieve both personal development and community impact. His accomplishments highlight the transformative power of education, collaboration, and innovation. 

Thriving Against the Odds: Jessica's journey with GROWWTH

Jessica has her sights to one day be the U.S. Secretary of Education. Until then, she is making the most of her GROWWTH journey while being an inspiration to her daughter.  

A native mid-westerner, Jessica is thriving in Memphis after navigating the trenches of poverty. Leaving a rocky marriage in North Carolina left her to stand on her own. Now, she and her partner care for their daughter, Danica, and Jessica is mapping out a future for    success. 

Her passions for childcare, education and leadership sparked Jessica to pursue a master’s degree while eyeing the nation’s top education role. Through her time at the University of Memphis, she learned about a program helping parents acquire the needed    resources for economic stability, GROWWTH. 

“My professor, who was over my internship at the time, she told me about GROWWTH,” Jessica explained. “I was in the childcare field and GROWWTH aids parents who are trying to open daycares. I said ‘Yes! I cannot wait!’ So, I signed up.” 

Enrolling in GROWWTH Academy, competing the required coursework and earning her milestone payments afforded Jessica a way to both fund a new vehicle but also give her daughter a memorable birthday party. 

“We needed a new car,” said Jessica. “I had to put a down payment like $3,000. I got my down payment and paid for my daughter’s birthday. She enjoyed it and had a great time. Those little extra things that my partner sees as something to spend your money up; those are memories to me. I wouldn’t have been able to create these memories for her if just left to our means.” 

Seeing the progress to self-sufficiency prompted Jessica to join the microbusiness development program with GROWWTH and bring to life her side business of balloon art. 

“There were some unforeseen licensing stipulations for opening a daycare we weren't aware of,” Jessica said. “I had already developed a business plan for the home-based balloon business, so we went ahead with that. Some people arrange the balloons, cute designs with them tied together. I’ve done unicorns, a whole elephant, pregnant women, where you pop the belly and balloons come out. I’ve done Mardi Gras masks, Arabian globes. I’m very creative and try to do things nobody else has.” 

The value for Jessica is remaining flexible in her work life while remaining attentive to her daughter’s educational needs and life events. 

“This is an opportunity to step out on your own, create your own path in being flexible for life. That’s what we’re searching for now. It’s no longer about the 9 to 5. Everybody’s looking for remote, hybrid, we need it to fit our lives. I still want to be a mother. I don’t want to give that up to the state and allow the school to raise my child. When I do balloons, I step back to look and surprise myself. I can motivate my daughter through this journey as well.” 

To find out if you're an eligible West Tennessee parent, visit: www.memphis.edu/growwth/eligibility/index.php 

Building Better: Emily is on track to a high-quality career with GROWWTH

Emily connected with GROWWTH after learning about us through her work at the American Job Center. Her drive for a high-quality career pushed her to take advantage of GROWWTH’s opportunities for accelerated workforce readiness programs.

“I participated in the GROWWTH Academy where I learned a wide variety of skills and tips on how to build a successful career,” Emily said. “I was able to use the certification from the GROWWTH Academy on my resume.”

With that certification, Emily pursued a position with the state of Tennessee.

“One month after completing the program I was offered the job and accomplished the goal I had set for myself,” Emily explained. “I still use the very same tips I learned in the Academy with my career and everyday life.”

GROWWTH Case Managers Joy Cooper and Marcia Fields worked with Emily to set the goals and hopes she wanted for her career on the path to economic stability.

“Enrolling in GROWWTH changed my life for the better and I can’t thank the GROWWTH staff enough for helping me through every step of the process,” Emily added.

West Tennessee parents have options for better opportunities on the journey to economic stability.

Visit our website to see if you qualify: https://www.memphis.edu/growwth/contact/index.php

Meet Temica: Our guidance led her to a new job

Our friend, Temica, knows the struggle of getting a high-quality job to support her family. As a mother of six, her focus remains caring for her family the best way she can.  

Once faced with discrimination at her previous job, she sought resolution which didn’t last long. Temica was already familiar with the GROWWTH program from engaging pharmacy customers who also struggled with financial stability. 

“I was just getting frustrated,” Temica explained. “It was taking a toll on me and I felt like it was best to quit. I had already started the GROWWTH enrollment process at that time.” 

As a GROWWTH participant, our accelerated workforce readiness program and resources funded the necessary training needed for Temica’s certification as a Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomist. 

The opportunities to break financial barriers in her life led her to a new job this month. 

“I’m starting as a pharmacy technician in April,” Temica said. “GROWWTH gives me a lot of confidence.” 

Also, after attending the GROWWTH Microbusiness Bootcamp, Temica is ready to launch her own business. 

“It’s going to be K&S Mobile Services,” Temica said. “Even though I’m a phlebotomist, I’m not looking to incorporate that right now, but I am a skilled drug screener. I will be a mobile drug screener and a mobile notary public.” 

GROWWTH guides our participants to ensure success continues in the lives of west Tennessee parents like Temica. 

“I received notifications about jobs listings, continuing education, assistance for housing and utilities. It all helps,” Temica added. “You don’t know all resources out there and with GROWWTH it’s like a family that has a group chat and keeps you informed.” 

To find out if you're an eligible West Tennessee parent, visit: www.memphis.edu/growwth/eligibility/index.php