Single mother pursuing nursing degree with support from a DEED CareerForce partner

As a single mother without sustainable, structured employment since age 16, Rita arrived at Otter Tail County's Empowered Worker program looking for a fresh start. She had always relied on her partner to support the family financially, but after abrupt life changes, she wanted nothing more than to be able to support her family by herself. 

However, Rita faced barriers to employment, including a lack of recent work experience, an unreliable vehicle and limited resources for necessities. She was determined to overcome these barriers to pursue a career in nursing. With the help of Otter Tail County, her first step was to complete Nursing Assistant classes and pass the test to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

Otter Tail County is a Drive for 5 grant recipient; Drive for 5 is a Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) initiative that funds employment and training programs that prepare Minnesotans for high-demand jobs in five occupational categories: the caring professions, education, manufacturing, technology and the trades. Otter Tail County's Empowered Worker program supported Rita with gas cards, Walmart gift cards for necessities, scrubs for job shadowing and work, individualized workforce and college navigation, a laptop, tuition, books, school supplies and ongoing encouragement.

In March 2025, Rita passed the test to become a CNA and in April she began work at a nursing home in Perham. She is intent on advancing her nursing career and is enrolled at Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Wadena to pursue her Registered Nursing (RN) license.

Rita’s Workforce Navigator with Otter Tail County shared this acknowledgement of her accomplishments: “Rita is an exemplary participant of the Drive for 5 program. She has proven motivation and drive to gain post-secondary credentials in order to build family economic self-sufficiency for her and her children. She’s changing the trajectory of her life and leading her children’s future by example.”

CareerForce staff and partners support job seekers and employers throughout Minnesota. To learn more, visit the CareerForce website or find a CareerForce location near you.

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