From Feeling Stuck to Earning Her GED: Jessika’s Work Proudly Journey

When Jessika Joye came to Claire’s Place Foundation’s Work Proudly Program, she knew she wanted something more for herself and her family. She just wasn’t quite sure how to get there.

A mother of four, including a child living with cystic fibrosis, Jessika was balancing work, parenting, medical appointments and the everyday responsibilities of raising a family with very little outside support. She was working as a restaurant server and helping with invoices and paperwork for a truck repair company, but she wanted a path that could offer greater stability and opportunity.

“I joined the program because I felt stuck and needed some direction,” Jessika shared.

One of the biggest barriers standing between Jessika and her next chapter was something she had carried with her for years: she had never completed high school.

Through Work Proudly, that became a place to start.

One Goal That Could Change Everything

Working with Work Proudly Program Manager Marcia Wall, Jessika began looking not only at possible careers, but at the steps that could open more doors for her in the future.

Claire’s Place Foundation was able to support Jessika in going back to school to earn her GED.

And she did it.

For someone balancing four children, work and the demands that come with having a child with cystic fibrosis, earning that diploma represented much more than completing coursework. It was an investment in herself and in the future she was determined to build for her family.

Jessika credits the personal support she received through Work Proudly with helping her keep moving forward.

“Having someone listen and guide me. Also, having someone hold me accountable helped me to put forth my best effort.”

More Than a Diploma

By the time Jessika completed the program, the change wasn't only on paper.

She reported having clearer career direction, increased confidence, a stronger resume and LinkedIn presence, and a better understanding of the job market. When asked how confident she now felt about her career path, Jessika chose the highest possible response: extremely confident.

Most importantly, earning her GED isn't the end of Jessika's story. It's the beginning of what comes next.

“I will be continuing to pursue my career and make a better life for my children and myself thanks to the Claire’s Place Foundation,” she shared.

That is exactly what Work Proudly was created to do.

For people and families affected by cystic fibrosis, employment and career development can come with challenges that traditional workforce programs don't always understand. Work Proudly meets each participant where they are and helps them identify a realistic path forward, whether that means career counseling, education and training, resume development, interview preparation or simply having someone in their corner saying, You can do this.

Jessika did.

And we can't wait to see what she does next.

Help Someone Take Their Next Step

Jessika's GED was made possible because supporters of Claire's Place Foundation believe that people affected by cystic fibrosis deserve the opportunity to build careers, create financial stability and pursue a future they can be proud of.

Your support helps us provide personalized career guidance, education, training and other resources through the Work Proudly Program at no cost to participants.

Help us be there for the next Jessika, and help another family turn “I feel stuck” into “I did it.”