WATCH worksWork Attributes Toward Careers in Health

For participants of CSIU WATCH Project FALL 2012

My Story: Persistence pays off!“I am a single mom with a 7-year-old daughter named Talara and have been a CNA for four years. When I was introduced to the WATCH Project, I was struggling with money and wanted to provide a better life for my daughter. Since I was young, my grandma inspired me to be a nurse, and I never wanted to do anything else. I also always wanted to go back to school, but could never afford it.

“One day, during a conversation with a family member, she mentioned the WATCH Project and explained how it provided support for people to go back to school for nursing. I was so excited when she told me about it, I called the next day.

“The person I first talked to at the WATCH Project was very nice and answered all my questions. I then met with my career coordinator, Gaye, who told me that I had to take the TABE test. When I took it, I was very nervous because it was nothing like I had expected. I got my results, and found I placed at an 8th grade level, but needed to place at least at an 11th grade level to get WATCH Project support in an LPN program.

“At the time, I was very upset that I didn’t do better, but I knew I was out of my norm because I had been out of school for 11 years. So I talked to Gaye who suggested I enroll in the CSIU’s adult education classes to study and to raise my test scores. I went to the CSIU’s Adult and Family Learning Center and

“The WATCH Project helped me pursue my dream of becoming an LPN.”

In THIS ISSUe

FAFSA reminders ....................................2Congratulations, graduates! ...............3Regional dental care services .............4

met Sue Rosinski. Sue really worked with me. I went faithfully three days a week, and did all the homework Sue gave me. I was also able to bring my daughter to the Family Literacy program during the summer. They were very good with her and she loved it there.

“After a few months of instruction, I retook the TABE test and placed at a 12th grade level. I was excited that I did much better, and Sue was, too. I couldn’t have done it without her help.

“After passing the TABE test, I was officially enrolled in the WATCH

Project, and applied to the Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center in Lewisburg. I took the entrance exam for the program, but did not score enough points to be accepted.

“I was devastated again, and the first person I called was Gaye. She reassured me that it would be okay and suggested that I apply to Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport and take a few classes. I took the placement test and the only thing I struggled with was math, but overall did pretty well. I enrolled as a part-time student and took three pre-nursing classes, three times a week. continued on page 2

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“Before I started classes, I worked third shift and knew I couldn’t work all night and go to school all day. So I looked for another job that would be flexible with my school schedule. I was hired at Kramm Nursing Home in Milton, and was still able to spend time with my daughter.

“While at Penn College, the WATCH Project offered multiple support services, and I completed the semester with a 3.1 GPA earning two B’s and an A.

“I applied again at the LPN Center, studied hard and passed the entrance exam. I was accepted into the part-time program that begins in January 2013. I chose the part-time program so that I can continue to work at Kramm’s. I will be working toward my dream and will still be able to support my daughter and myself.

“While it may mean sacrifice for awhile, I know in the long run that this is the best thing for my daughter and me. I have worked really hard through

the good times and the bad to never give up and to keep on going no matter how many times I failed at something. The WATCH Project and Gaye, my career coordinator, have helped me pursue my dream of becoming an LPN.

“Every day that I go to school I think of my daughter, and know that no matter how hard things can be, in the long run, it is all worth it. To have my daughter be proud of me the way she is now is wonderful. And I’m teaching her no matter how bad things seem, they can always get better if you believe in yourself, are willing to work hard, and have a program like the WATCH Project to help you.”

By Amy Dieffenbach, Watsontown Pennsylvania College of Technology

Amy will begin classes at the Central Susquehanna LPN Career Center in January 2013.

• Remember that you can apply online for free through the US Department of Education at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to save your Personal Identification Number (PIN)!

Getting ready to apply for financial aid for the 2013-14 school year? Here are a few things for you to keep in mind.

My Story: continued

FAFSA reminders

• To make completing the web application easier, file your 2012 Income Tax forms first and then use the online IRS Data Retrieval Tool to complete your FAFSA.

• Print off and review the FAFSA worksheet before completing the application.

• First-time filers should complete the Pennsylvania State Grant Form (for PHEAA) directly from the online FAFSA confirmation page. Look for the link that reads “Optional Feature—Start your state application—Click here if you want to apply for Pennsylvania state-based financial aid.”

• FAFSA deadlines are set by federal and state agencies, as well as individual school financial aid offices, and vary widely. Contact the financial aid office of your school to learn when your 2013-14 FAFSA application is due.

• To see the deadlines for PHEAA state grant applications, visit www.pheaa.org.

Congratulations to recent graduates!

Corey Bohner (Shamokin Dam) and Heidi Pursel (Bloomsburg) graduated from HACC’s CNA program.

Nicole Meter (Pleasant Gap) graduated from Central PA Institute of Science and Technology’s CNA program.

Jody Boyer (Middleburg) graduated from HACC’s CNA program.

Brittany Fida (Lock Haven), Jennifer Carson (Renovo) and Wesley Strouse (Lock Haven) graduated from Susque-View Home’s CNA program.

Pictured are Dipak Sahoo (Boalsburg) and Shannon Druckemiller (McClure) who graduated from Lewistown Hospital’s RN program.

Nicole McEntire (Williamsport) and Candace Basey (Lock Haven) graduated from HACC’s CNA program.

Elizabeth Harvey and LaShawnta Nowlin (both of Williamsport) graduated from HACC’s CNA program.

Pictured are graduates of Mifflin-Juniata Career and Technology Center’s LPN program: (from L to R): Melinda Hosler (Lewistown), Johnna-Kay Bilger-Hoar (Lewistown), Ashley Korinchak (Reedsville) and Angela Wagner (Belleville).

Maddy Winner (South Williamsport), Rolando Calderon, (Montgomery) and Alicia Knittle (Hughesville) graduated from Pennsylvania College of Technology’s LPN program.

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CenTRAL SUSQUeHAnnA LPn CAReeR CenTeR

Licensed Practical Nursing Program

Jamie Blackson, South Williamsport Liliya Borisov, Lewisburg Stacy Daniels, Williamsport Amanda Fern, Williamsport Tria Jones, Lewisburg Ericka Kinney, Williamsport Paula Merwin, Montandon Jamie Smith, Shamokin Mary Spotts, Mifflinburg Sheena Vincent, Sunbury

HARRISbURg AReA CommUnITy CoLLege (HACC)

Certified Nursing Assistant Program

Sherri Abbatiello, Danville Susan Allen, Williamsport Morgan Colpetzer, Lock Haven Michael Fitzwater, Williamsport Nysheer Glenn, Williamsport Ashley Harman, Williamsport Kristin Harris, Burnham Amanda Heffner, Williamsport Tabitha Ingram, Milton Roxie Mannino, Reedsville Kimberly McQuillen, Williamsport Tiffany Minnich, Berwick Ollya Reed, Berwick

Diamond Regan, Berwick Heather Reppert, Coal Township Bionca Styers, Williamsport Brenna Thompson, McClure Jessica Usefof, Northumberland Amy Walker, West Milton Mary White, McClure

nSb TRAIneRS

Certified Nursing Assistant Program

Amber Travelpiece, Berwick

PennSyLvAnIA CoLLege oF TeCHnoLogy

Licensed Practical Nursing Program

Janice Rupert, Lock Haven

Congratulations to the following WATCH Project participants (not pictured) who recently graduated from nursing programs at several regional educational institutions.

WATCH Project90 Lawton LaneMilton, PA 17847

This document was supported by Grant #90FX0011 from the Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of HHS. Work Attributes Toward Careers in Health (WATCH) is a Health Profession Opportunity Grant and is administered by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU).

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Below is a list of providers who offer free or reduced-fee dental care to qualified individuals. Please contact the provider prior to making an appointment to discuss services and payment options.

LyComIng CoUnTySusquehanna Community Health & Dental Center 469-471 Hepburn St, Williamsport (570) 567-5430noRTHUmbeRLAnd, UnIon And SnydeR CoUnTIeSSusquehanna River Valley Dental Health Clinic335 Market St, Suite 1, Sunbury (570) 286-7500

CoLUmbIA And monToUR CoUnTIeSThe Dental Health Clinic107 South Market St, Berwick (570) 752-8753

mIFFLIn And SnydeR CoUnTIeSMifflin-Juniata Dental Clinic31 S. Dorcas St, Compass Bldg., Suite E, Lewistown(717) 447-1898 SeRvIng ALL PA CoUnTIeSHACC Dental Hygiene ClinicSelect Medical Health Education Pavilion, Room 102, HACC Harrisburg Campus (717) 780-2441

Regional dental care services available