Job Training
The WOW. program. The program was very informative to me. The wonderful people stay in touch with the clients. The program continue[s] to reach-out to the clients (FCA), always asking how your doing? What’s going on? I don’t feel like the program will ever kick me to the curb.

Have you received job training recently? No

Employment
I’m driving a senior bus for Norwalk Senior Center. I have [a] CDL license, because of these license I can drive a seven to nine ton truck. In 1996, I was in the WOW program and training to drive [a] school bus. Because of the WOW program, my self-esteem kept me to stay with the bus training. When the two last children at home get older, I would like to go to tractor-trailer truck school and get my class (A) license, and go on the road.

Have you gotten a new job, increased work hours or earnings in the recent past? Yes

Child Care
Thank God I have a[n] older daughter. She watches the twins for me. But now, I’m working part-time. Before I got hurt on the second job, I was working two jobs. And the oldest keeps a[n] eye on the twins.

Have you received child care assistance to help you get to work? No

Transportation
I thank God I have purchased a car to take me back and forth to work. Before I got the car, I walked or took public transportation.

Do you have adequate transportation to get to and from work? Yes

Health
Thank God we are all healthy. Nothing major is wrong with my family. Every body is up on shots. If we catch colds we go to the doctor and we all have very good doctors.

Do you and your family have a regular doctor who normally provides care? Yes

We get Title 19. The state provide[s] our health care; there is no cost to us. Yes, I work every day and I get a paycheck and taxes is being taken out. So yes, I pay for it.

Do you now have health insurance of any kind (including Medicaid)? Yes

Additional information
Being a single parent is not easy. I’m not only mother, but father and I’m a woman. There are times I have to work two jobs to make ends meet—that means his income. I’m [an] accountant, chauffeur, referee, cook, teacher, hair dresser, launder person, repair person, maintenance person, counselor, doctor, nurse, lawyer, judge, jury, savior, the fixer of all and everything, and I work outside of the home and I’m not suppose[d] to get sick.

Last question: I expect things for myself and my family to get much worse before they get much better.

Demographics:
Author’s community or neighborhood of residence: Norwalk, CT
Age: 42
Gender: Female
Last year of school completed: 1977, 12th grade
Race: African American
Number of own children at home: 3
Household size: 4* Children; 1 Adult *[one granddaughter, age 2]
Does Author’s partner or spouse live in the household? Does not apply
Author’s gross cash earnings for previous calendar month: $903
Does Author currently receive any cash public assistance or welfare? No
Manner: Written by author