Ms. Dasmine Wright
“My 2-year-old son, Carter Matthew Wright, is the center of my world. I want the best for him and despite all of the battles that I have faced in my life, I know that there is a brighter tomorrow. That is why I believe in the future.” --Dasmine Wright, AMP & VTAC programs.
I am 24 years old and was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. I graduated from Focus Learning Academy and then attended Hocking Technical College in Nelsonville, Ohio. Unfortunately, I did not finish but I did enroll into the Job Corps in Puxico, Missouri. That opportunity led to a job with Memorial Hospital as an STNA in Springfield, Illinois where I learned a lot about myself and others.
I was only 18 years old when I left home. I felt invincible and thought that I could accomplish anything, but in these six short years, I feel like I have lived a lifetime. While I was trying to discover my purpose and what I should do with my life, I realized that I needed support. The rules of engagement as an adult were certainly more complex. Responsibility and accountability for my actions and decisions were all mine. When I learned that I had a child on the way, I knew it was time for me to return home.
When I returned to Columbus, I fell on hard times and became homeless and unemployed. My son and I were placed in a group home and entered into a transitional housing program with the Huckleberry House. Soon I was able to obtain my own apartment.
While at the Huckleberry House, I heard about IMPACT Community Action’s Achieve More to Prosper (AMP) program. The AMP program works with young people between the ages of 16 to 24 who need help with employment and workforce development. Since I had a background as an STNA, I initially signed up to take advantage of the Phlebotomy classes. What I found was the support that I’d been searching for.
IMPACT offers comprehensive case management that is professional and personal. I felt like I was connected to people who cared about me and my son. More importantly, they wanted me to be successful. With some urging from my case manager, I decided to enroll in the Vocational Training and Certification Program (VTAC) and apply myself to a career that could secure the financial future for me and my son.
Incredibly, while I was enrolled in the VTAC program I was offered a part-time job with Savkon Construction LLC as an Administrative Assistant. Savkon Construction LLC is a Disabled Veteran Owned and Woman Owned Small Business that provides renovation services. The knowledge and skills that I gained from the VTAC program, enabled me to communicate effectively with the construction workers, private contractors and owners. I understand the nature of the business and I can do the construction job! Once my son goes to school full–time, I will become a full-time employee and my future is secure. I am so thankful for all of the love and support that I have received. VTAC has prepared me today to build the future for my son’s tomorrow.”
*This story is a part of our "Life After IMPACT" Publication