Success Stories

I haven’t been back to school since 1999. Throughout the years, I attempted to return but never completed my degree. I started thinking, “How I am going to pay these bills? How am I going to take my kids to school?”

I had lots of substantial obstacles between me and what I wanted to accomplish, including my tendency to put everyone else first. But last year, I finally made the change and enrolled at CCRI in the Fall. I have to say, I almost dropped out again because I was feeling like I couldn’t do it, but after hearing kids talk about the help that’s offered through RI Reconnect, I decided to apply.

I was at my lowest. My laptop wasn’t working and I couldn’t afford a new one. But a young lady named Nakisha Meres-Gabriel (my RI Reconnect Navigator) was my own personal angel. She helped with everything from getting me a laptop to assistance with groceries, gas cards and bills.

Nakisha was always there for me, checking up and making sure I understood everything I needed to know to complete my degree. But most of all, she was always there to encourage me, boost my confidence and make me feel like I can accomplish my goals.

I appreciate Nakisha and RI Reconnect so much. From the bottom of my heart, honestly,  thank you for helping me.

My name is Tomeka Johnson and I’m a divorced single mom of 4. Three of my children are teenagers and I have an adult child who is 23 years old. I support my family alone and this inflation has caused me to struggle financially. I am privileged to have Providence public housing assistance through their scattered sites program. If I didn’t, with the hike in rent, we would be homeless. Because of an unexpected medical emergency, I required surgery and lost my new job during the long recuperation period.

I had decided to go back to school before my surgery and I was accepted into College Unbound. It was my 4th time giving college a go. This time my children are older so I have more flexibility. But due to my surgery I was behind in bills and I was under a lot of stress from trying to find another position.

My school had given me the information for RI Reconnect. I do not like to ask for help but I did. And boy am I glad that I did. Thanks to RI Reconnect my children and I stayed afloat. You helped me pay my bills and provided me with food vouchers. It is my heavy load. I finished my first semester with all A’s. I ended up accepting a position working for the State of Rhode Island as an entry level Eligibility Technician. During my probation period with the state RI Reconnect has been a great support system to my family. My end goals are to finish school with my bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership for Change and TA to BA and give back to the youth in my community. I would also love to gain financial freedom and buy my family a home. I know it will happen. Thank you RI Reconnect for sticking by me and supporting me when I needed it the most.

“I went back to school in the fall of 2022 with the goal of changing my career path in the medical field. I am currently employed at AAA as an Insurance CSR while working towards receiving my phlebotomy certificate. I enjoyed working with Nakisha from RIR, as she was such a great help and very nice! I enjoyed our talks and I hope to work with her again.”

Alyssa, an Air Force veteran and mom, wanted to change careers after working in medical billing for several years. She had no experience working with boats but wanted to see where she could go in the marine industry. Even though she was the only woman in her classes, she did well in her program and received many awards for her performance. Alyssa was hired after graduation as a Marine Technician and has been promoted within the company several times.

Jai always had a passion to work with computers. When he came to the United States after teaching in Nepal, he worked in manufacturing and was able to move up within the company. After eight years, he still wanted more and decided to go to school to pursue his dream to work in IT. He enrolled in a Computer Service Technician program and was hired as a Helpdesk Engineer after graduation at the same company he interned for during the program.

In his 60s, Craig returned to school to follow his lifelong dream of working in the trades as an electrician. He previously worked for Texas Instruments and BioMed for many years before deciding to go back to school. He graduated in 2019 and soon began an apprenticeship that will help him gain the work experience and additional education needed to become a licensed electrician.