• After fleeing a domestic violence situation, Erica received critical support from Fedcap Inc’s Families Forward in Maine and gained employment and economic stability for herself and her daughter.
Erica Lynch traveled cross-country from California to Maine with “a backpack of barriers,” including the need to get her and her 18-month-old daughter away from domestic violence.
Erica dreamed of starting a new life but was overwhelmed by her past. She held an associate’s degree in substance use counseling, but in order to practice in Maine, she needed to study for a state certification exam. It had been seven years since she had been in college and three years since she had worked in the field. And, at home, she was living with her parents, her grandmother who has dementia, and her very active toddler. Finding the space to focus on studying for the exam was a tremendous challenge.
“I remember sitting on my parents’ front porch, watching my daughter play in the yard, and asking myself, ‘where do I start?’”
Sometimes a person just needs that one other person to believe in them, to help them set goals and break them down into achievable steps.
For Erica, that person was Danielle, the case worker from Fedcap Inc’s Families Forward program who was assigned to Erica after she signed up for TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families). “We’re here to help individuals realize The Power of Possible,” says Danielle. “We help individuals figure out solutions to their barriers, and coach them so they see that their past doesn’t have to affect their future.”
Families Forward is offered to Maine residents in partnership with the state’s Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence for people enrolled in its TANF/ASPIRE program. The program’s goal is to help families in Maine achieve a more economically secure future through access to employment, training, and education as well as community resources.
“Danielle showed me empathy and kindness, and it was the first time in a long time that I did not feel judged or like a complete failure. I developed goals with Danielle, goals that I would have put on the back burner if it weren’t for her.”
A New Community and a New Purpose
Danielle connected Erica with the Aroostook Recovery Center, where she volunteered 18 hours weekly as a recovery coach. Erica was also allowed to use Fedcap Inc’s Houlton computer room, giving her the time and space she needed to study – and a lot more. “Fedcap was my community. I was new to the area and did not know anyone. Having a reason to get up and get dressed to go somewhere and to do something productive meant the world to me. Everyone in the Houlton office welcomed me with open arms. I felt like a human being. It gave me hope that I could overcome my circumstances.”
Families Forward provides layers of services to help participants overcome multiple barriers to meet their goals. The program goes beyond goal-setting and helps individuals break down each of the barriers to achieve their goals. For Erica and Danielle, it meant that Danielle checked in with Erica regularly to help her stay on course with her studying. “Danielle had faith in me when I had no faith in myself,” says Erica.
On the date of Erica’s exam, Fedcap Inc. paid for the gas for the 100-mile drive to the Bangor test location. The program also paid for childcare coverage so that Erica’s daughter was safely looked after.
“I passed my substance use counselor certification exam and Danielle was the first person I called to tell.”
After Erica landed a job with Aroostook Mental Health Center, and Danielle continued to ensure that Erica had what she needed to succeed.
Helping Others Break Down Barriers
Erica was so profoundly moved by all the support she received to overcome the limiting beliefs and day-to-day challenges that could have held her back that she decided she wanted to become part of the Fedcap Inc team, which is not unusual for the program. Thirty percent of the Maine-based staff have been participants in the program.
“Even though I had worked so hard to get back into the field I am passionate about, I still was yearning for something more,” says Erica. “I told Danielle if there was ever a position open, I would like to apply, and in January 2022, I was given that opportunity.”
Erica is now helping others realize The Power of Possible. “Today I get to be a part of the team that helped me piece my life back together. I get to work with individuals who need help getting back on the paths they were destined for. I know what it is like to have barriers and not know where to start. Today I get to assist with overcoming such barriers. Today I get to give back as a Families Forward staff member.”
