Discover how Maggie transformed her life from uncertainty and low-skill jobs to a fulfilling career as an Ultrasound Technician at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta, inspired by the unexpected turns of motherhood.
"There wasn’t any way that I could mother my baby, go to school, and work, so WorkSource was able to lift a big financial stress off my shoulders and get me to my graduation, which was everything I needed."
For Maggie, life before becoming an Ultrasound Technician at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta was filled with low-skill jobs and uncertainty. However, an unexpected turn in her life set her on a path that would drastically alter her career and personal life.
“I was single, pregnant, and needed a way out of that to provide for my daughter and me,” Maggie says.
Her first encounter with the world of ultrasound technology came serendipitously. While receiving free ultrasounds during her pregnancy at Gwinnett Technical College, Maggie was fascinated.
“I just wanted to see pictures of my baby and was inspired,” she says.
This inspiration led her to pursue an education in ultrasound technology at Gwinnett Tech, a decision she describes as “the best thing that ever happened to me.”
Maggie’s journey was supported by her program director at Gwinnett Tech, who introduced her to WorkSource, which played a crucial role in easing the financial burdens that could have hindered her progress.
“There wasn’t any way that I could mother my baby, go to school, and work, so WorkSource was able to lift a big financial stress off my shoulders and get me to my graduation, which was everything I needed,” she says.
This support was instrumental in allowing Maggie to focus on her studies and eventually secure her dream job at Children’s Hospital of Atlanta.
Today, Maggie and her daughter enjoy a life of independence and joy.
“Not only can I provide everything for her and me, but we can have fun in life,” Maggie says. “I can get her into extracurricular activities and travel. It’s everything I need to live a fulfilling life.”
With his sights set on future entrepreneurship, Joash is not just navigating roads but also his destiny, fueled by ambition and the support of WorkSource.
"They helped me choose my career path, which was in driving, and paid for my driving course," Joash says. "In the near future…I see myself owning my own truck and starting my own business."
As a former assistant installer, Joash knew he needed a change.
“The pay wasn’t all that good, and the work environment was a bit stressful,” he says.
Seeking improvement, Joash was intrigued when a colleague, a driver, mentioned WorkSource.
Curious, Joash took to the internet to learn more, which led him to apply for a new position. His proactive approach paid off when WorkSource helped him find a job and provided the training he needed to succeed.
“They helped me choose my career path, which was in driving, and paid for my driving course,” Joash says.
This transition dramatically improved his circumstances. Joash’s earnings increased by about 90%, and he says he anticipates an increase of another 20% in the near future. In addition to the monetary benefits, Joash’s new role is a significant reduction in stress, enhancing his overall job satisfaction.
Looking ahead, Joash has ambitious plans, with a goal to further increase his income and establish his independence in the industry.
“In the near future, like two years, I see myself owning my own truck and starting my own business,” he says.
Reflecting on his educational experiences during the training, Joash felt rejuvenated and empowered.
“When I was in school, I felt younger. All the resources in training and the experience made me the driver I am now.”
Through sparks and steel, and some support from WorkSource, Brent has sculpted a career that reflects his passions and prowess.
"I was bouncing around from industry to industry," Brent says. “It got to the point where I needed to specialize or get certified to really move forward with anything considered a career.”
Brent’s career path has been anything but direct. With a decade of experience in building maintenance, Brent realized he needed something more—something that not only provided a stable career but also fed his inherent creativity.
“I was bouncing around from industry to industry,” Brent says. “It got to the point where I needed to specialize or get certified to really move forward with anything considered a career.”
The turning point came unexpectedly. While shopping at a Goodwill store, Brent noticed a poster for a welding program advertised in their career center. This serendipitous discovery led him to gather more information, fill out some paperwork, and eventually enroll in a class. What began as a simple inquiry turned into a transformative journey into the world of welding.
Having recently turned 40, Brent found returning to education both satisfying and empowering. Despite the years away from formal learning, he succeeded and even excelled, reaffirming his belief in lifelong learning and personal growth.
Brent completed a basic MIG welding certification. But this technical skill was more than just a job requirement for him. As an artist and the son of a carpenter, Brent has always been drawn to creative pursuits, from woodworking to metal fabrication. Welding became a perfect blend of his artistic sensibilities and technical acumen, offering both job security and creative freedom.
WorkSource provided the funding necessary for Brent to take the classes he needed to pivot into this new field.
“WorkSource helped me expand my education and delve a little deeper into something I had some experience with,” Brent says.
For those considering a similar path, Brent offers straightforward advice: “You’ve got nothing to lose. Expand your education, expand your horizons. Just do it.”
When the pandemic led to unforeseen job loss, Genevieve turned to WorkSource, a familiar resource she once recommended to others. What unfolded was not just a comeback but a remarkable ascent.
“Being on the receiving end of WorkSource’s services provided me the opportunity to grow into a position that fits me very well.”
In 2020, Genevieve found herself navigating an unexpected career pivot. As the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped industries, Genevieve, then working for a nonprofit that provided housing opportunities in Atlanta, was laid off. But with the help of WorkSource, this setback steered her toward a transformative opportunity.
“My connection to WorkSource wasn’t new,” Genevieve says. “As part of my role with the homeless services organization, I often referred clients to WorkSource for resources to help boost their incomes.”
This familiarity with WorkSource proved pivotal when she was let go. She recalled the agency as a beacon for those seeking aid, and now found herself turning to it for support. WorkSource facilitated her entry into the Mayor’s Office of Emergency Preparedness through an internship that not only helped her regain her footing during the pandemic but also set her on a path of rapid advancement.
“WorkSource helped me get where I am today,” says Genevieve, who now holds the title of Director of Entitlement and Competitive Compliance at the Department of Grants and Community Development. The role is a testament to her dedication and adaptability—qualities that led to her being promoted twice within the city’s framework.
Reflecting on her professional journey, Genevieve says she’s the most proud of her resilience and the new perspective she gained on the resources available to all Atlanta citizens.
“Being on the receiving end of WorkSource’s services provided me the opportunity to grow into a position that fits me very well,” she says.
Today, Genevieve continues to advocate for WorkSource, directing many to the invaluable resources that once helped her. Her story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the power of community resources in fostering personal and professional growth during times of uncertainty.
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