HPOG Success Story: Myschella at Volunteers of America Michigan
SOUTHFIELD, MI
Breaking cycles for a new future
Myschella endured many hardships and challenges in her life. Before the age of 16, Myschella had grieved the loss of three close relatives. Her family lived below the poverty line and she was often unsure where her next meal would come from. In high school, she gave birth to two daughters and struggled to leave an abusive relationship.
Despite these challenges, Myschella did not allow her circumstance to stop her education. She graduated high school and completed a technical training program to become a phlebotomist. Though she loved her job and interactions with patients, the income was not enough to provide for her family. Myschella made the decision to go back to school and received her Associates of Science with honors in 2017 at Wayne County Community College.
Myschella wanted to become a registered nurse. While in school she met a teacher, who introduced her to the Volunteers of America Michigan Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) program. After acceptance into the program, Myschella enrolled to become a Surgical Technologist because of the financial stability and future career opportunities. The HPOG program helped her get through school. They provided supportive services such as childcare assistance, transportation assistance, as well as paying for training, supplies, and uniforms.
“HPOG is truly making a difference in people's lives. This program provides opportunities for people to rise from bad situations regardless of where they come from,” says Myschella. “Thank you all for helping me give my daughter's a better life. Because of you they won’t have to go through the things I did. You helped me break the cycle and for that I am forever grateful! I’m not finished yet!”
In 2019, Myschella graduated with honors and now works now as a Surgical Technologist at Beaumont Royal Oak Trauma Hospital. She plans to use this degree as a steppingstone to accomplish her dream of becoming a registered nurse.
“HPOG is truly making a difference in people's lives. This program provides opportunities for people to rise from bad situations regardless of where they come from.”
This success story was self-identified by the grantee and information contained in this document was provided by the grantee.