Sierra Page is a 24-year-old mother of three boys, ages 3, 2, and 9 months. She is hardworking and motivated with dreams of becoming a Doula/Midwife. Sierra’s Santa Maria Career Coach, Melissa Velez, said that Sierra is driven to make that dream a reality, “She has impressed me since the beginning with her vision for her future and how she is always willing to work together on whatever we need.”
Recently, Sierra found herself struggling, without work, official childcare, or motivation, so she sought Santa Maria’s help. She enrolled in the Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP) program. That’s when she started working with Melissa. “Sierra has shown me that circumstances are only half the battle–motivation and work ethic will always get you far. She is an example to young mothers in Price Hill that your dreams are always worth pursuing,” Melissa said.
With three young children still in diapers, Sierra’s first hurdle was getting assistance with baby needs. Through a partnership with Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, Santa Maria was able to provide assistance with diapers and other supplies. After that, and once she was able to obtain stable childcare, Sierra’s next big step was schooling for herself.
Sierra reported that her biggest struggle is with self-doubt. “I doubt myself a lot,” she said. Melissa agreed that self-doubt can be Sierra’s own worst enemy. She said, “I think her biggest barriers are within herself, like motivation and self-confidence.” Sierra puts her children first, Melissa said, and often sets her personal goals aside. But now Sierra is gaining self-confidence, taking control of her future, and is ready to pursue her dream of becoming a Doula/Midwife with Santa Maria’s help.
Sierra recently achieved a major goal along her career path by completing a six-week training program and becoming a certified Doula. Santa Maria was able to pay for her Doula certification through funds from Project Lift. Project Lift is a United Way program that helps families remove barriers to securing sustainable income and achieving financial stability. Sierra credits Melissa with helping her achieve her career objectives. “My coach has been truly amazing and very helpful with me achieving my goals, and helping get into classes,” she said.
“Santa Maria had helped me a lot because it finally helped me put my plans into action,” Sierra said. She credited Santa Maria with giving her the little extra push that she needed. “Without them I don’t know when I would have started because I am a big procrastinator.” Sierra and Melissa are now weighing Sierra’s options and will eventually be looking into nonprofits or Community Health organization where she can put her new-found education and skills to work. Perhaps Sierra may even want to be self-employed and have her own Doula/Midwife business! With a fourth child on the way, Sierra is certainly well-prepared!
Santa Maria has helped hundreds of deserving youth like Sierra work toward their dreams. Please help us continue our mission by donating to Santa Maria Community Services at santamaria-cincy.org/donate/.