Samantha Branham came to the Southeast Missouri Job Center in December 2022 and enrolled in the WIOA Adult program. At the time, she was a single mother of four, receiving SNAP benefits, working as a Patient Care Technician, and juggling the rigorous demands of her first year in the Registered Nursing (RN) program at Mineral Area College. Although she received a Pell Grant, the cost of tuition and essential needs still created a significant financial burden. At her Employment Specialist’s recommendation, Samantha applied for and was awarded additional funding through the WORC grant.
In Summer 2023, WIOA helped her purchase a required laptop for her Medical-Surgical Nursing course. However, in December 2023, pressing family responsibilities forced her to temporarily withdraw from the RN program. Refusing to give up, and with the encouragement of her instructors, Samantha applied for reentry for Fall 2024.
During this transitional period, she faced several personal and financial challenges. When she fell short on January rent, WIOA helped cover the remaining balance after HUD’s contribution. For Christmas 2023, she needed assistance providing gifts for her children, and the Job Center connected her with the East Missouri Action Agency.
To stay on track while awaiting reentry, Samantha enrolled in a prerequisite course in Spring 2024. When additional needs arose—such as a mattress and nursing uniforms—WIOA linked her with supportive organizations, including Healthy Blue MO, United Way 211, and the St. Louis Archdiocese.
In August 2024, she was awarded the WORC grant once again for the 2024–2025 academic year. WIOA also covered the cost of her background check, drug screen, TB test, uniforms, and shoes—each a requirement for beginning the RN program.
Yet another setback came in November 2024, when she lost her HUD housing assistance due to a funding shortfall. Samantha took on extra work hours to stay afloat but still needed support. WIOA stepped in once again to help cover her rent.
Despite the many obstacles along the way, Samantha never gave up. On May 15, 2025, she graduated from Mineral Area College as a Graduate Nurse. She is now preparing to take the NCLEX-RN exam and is one step closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse.