Breaking the Cycle

Ellen

Number of Children: 2 (and 1 grandchild)

Previous Occupation: Unemployed

Wage Before CLIMB: Unemployed

Current Occupation: Albany County Circuit Court

Wage After CLIMB: $3,213/month

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Ellen completed Climb's Office Careers training.

“My youngest saw me working hard at Climb and never missing a class, and that has inspired her to keep going in school.”

“When my husband suddenly left me after 28 years of marriage, I had to pick myself up from the beginning and figure out how to support my daughters. I had to do this with very little past work experience. Climb gave me confidence and helped me stand up for myself.

Now, I’m a Civil Court Clerk, and my kids are so proud of me. My youngest saw me working hard at Climb and never missing a class, and that has inspired her to keep going in school. I shared the resume and computer skills that I learned at Climb to help her get a job. I also shared the mindfulness skills that I learned, like how to focus on a task when you’re stressed.

So, I didn’t just do it for me, I was thinking of my kids more than anything. I don’t want something given to me, I want to work for it. That’s what my kids are learning from me.”