Brielle’s journey began as a youth in the Young Adult Program at Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC). She was a single mother and needed to find a job to support herself and young child. She worked one summer in a work experience at a nursing home in the activities department. It was during that experience that she realized she wanted to become a nurse. She obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate through Minnesota West Community & Technical College (MN West) and started working at a local nursing home. She worked there as a CNA for six years and then the nursing home closed.

She had always wanted to continue schooling to become an LPN but as a working parent didn’t know if she could financially do it. She enrolled in the Dislocated Worker Program and began classes at MN West to become an LPN. She graduated in June of 2020 and passed her National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) soon after. She currently works for Adora Home Health Care making over $30 an hour. She plans to return to school in the future to pursue her 4-year RN degree.

She recently sent this email to thank the Dislocated Worker Program staff at CareerForce in Fairmont:

“I just wanted to thank you for this opportunity. Going back to school was terrifying for me after losing my job, but it has become one of the best decisions I have made. I am greatly appreciative of all of your help through this whole process. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you!”