Featured Resident: Melissa
Melissa came to the United States as a refugee, attended ESL classes and earned her high school diploma. As Melissa worked on her education, she held several positions - food service technician, mail clerk processor, machine operator, quality control technician and lastly as a Patient Care Assistant (PCA).
In 2016, Melissa was laid off from her PCA position. She came to the North St. Paul Workforce Center seeking employment services and qualified for the Dislocated Workers Program. Melissa came to the program knowing exactly what she wanted to do, which was to attend the Minnesota School of Barbering. Her employment counselor, Zachary Lee, was assigned to assist Melissa with her job proposal, job search and training needs. Working with Zach, Melissa created a customized training proposal, which was presented and approved for funding. She started training Jan. 9, 2018 and passed the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners Nov. 6, 2018. Melissa, a professional stylist, is now successfully employed full-time with Pauly Ray Sport Barber Shop.
- Goal: Gain full-time employment, specifically a career path. Acquire financial guidance and support while attending the Minnesota School of Barbering.
- Achievements: Melissa started stylist training Jan. 9, 2018 and passed the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners Nov. 6, 2018.
- Employment Counselor: Zachary Lee, WorkForce Center, North St. Paul.