Ashanti’s Journey: From Barely Getting by to Boldly Moving Forward

Determined to create a better future, Ashanti’s first step was searching for healthcare training and job opportunities in her area. This broad search led her to Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida’s Financial Opportunity Center® (FOC) – Steps 2 Success Program. Steps 2 Success gave her access to the critical guidance and resources she needed to pursue her dreams. She enrolled in August 2024, focused on taking control of her life.

With support from her Workforce Development Coach, Ashanti applied to the 12-week Nywes Healthcare Training Program. Income Support coaching helped her secure a scholarship from Kids Hope Alliance, removing financial barriers to her education and enabling her to promptly start training.

While balancing part-time work and training, Ashanti faced a setback when she lost her job in September of that year. Unable to keep up with rent, she moved in with family and remained focused, armed with a clear plan and a robust support system through the FOC.

Where many might have faltered, Ashanti persevered - benefiting from wraparound services including career workshops, interview coaching, and connections to public resources. Her Workforce Development and Life Coaches provided the motivation and accountability she needed to keep moving forward. When asked how she managed to keep it together, despite all the obstacles in her way, she said “I wasn’t going to let temporary setbacks stop me.” In October 2024, Ashanti graduated from the Nywes Healthcare Medical Assistant training program, advancing steadily toward a sustainable career.

Post-graduation career coaching helped Ashanti identify and pursue roles that aligned with her goals. Within two months, she secured a Medical Assistant position with a leading healthcare provider in Jacksonville, Florida. Ashanti could have taken the easy route and stopped there, but she knew she had more to accomplish. In March 2025, she passed the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, solidifying credentials in her new field.

In tandem with her career growth, Ashanti partnered with a financial coach to create a realistic budget, reduce debt, and set intentional savings goals - targeting milestones like homeownership and purchasing a vehicle. Her credit score rose by more than 5%, enhancing her eligibility for future financial opportunities. As she transitioned from part-time to full-time employment, her monthly income grew by 68%, lifting her from just above the poverty line to true financial stability. This breakthrough allowed her to achieve one of her most meaningful goals: by June 2025, Ashanti secured a new apartment in a thriving neighborhood that supports her continued personal and professional development.

Today, independent and driven to succeed, Ashanti is pursuing an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASDN), steadily growing her savings, and preparing to invest in her future. Ashanti’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of integrated education, career, and financial coaching. Programs like Steps 2 Success don’t just provide skills, they empower individuals to overcome obstacles and build sustainable independence. With continued funding and support, stories like Ashanti’s will become the norm –creating brighter futures and stronger communities.

Learn more about Steps 2 Success