Southeast resident Gina Miller was unhappy as a contracted security guard. She was grateful to be working during the pandemic but was not fulfilled — she imagined more for her life and felt motivated to grow. But she lacked the skills to accomplish that.
Then came the spark she needed: Miller heard about the UPO job training programs funded by the CARES Act and instantly kicked into gear. She registered for 4 certificate programs, attending classes on her days off. She became a powerhouse, earning her certifications in:
- Food Handling
- Alcohol Service
- CPR
- Cleaning & Sanitation (in a program designed for budding entrepreneurs)
Miller gained important skills, but most of all she gained self-confidence and a push to keep moving forward: “It makes me feel very good about myself because I had trials and tribulations early on, and I was able to come back and turn my life around. And now I am doing things that are positive.”
With her new set of skills and a new mindset, Miller started her own company cleaning people’s homes! She also started working for UPO’s Shelter Hotline as her way of giving back to the community…plus it helps to fund the high-quality equipment she needs to grow her blossoming business. She has found her path in life.
