More Than Training: How CareerPoint Prepared Eight Women for Healthcare Careers
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On March 26, the Promenade Lounge at the Overture Center filled with anticipation as eight young women prepared to graduate from the CareerPoint Healthcare program. One by one, they shared how far they’d come.
Just six weeks earlier, they walked into Operation Fresh Start’s CareerPoint Healthcare program as individuals—some unsure, some searching for direction. Now, they stood together as graduates, each carrying new skills, confidence, and a clear path forward.
“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a program, but growth, resilience, and dedication,” CareerPoint Program Coordinator Nicole Knox said.
The graduates completed the intensive six-week program designed to prepare them for careers like Certified Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and other in-demand healthcare roles.
In a short time, they earned industry-recognized certifications, including First Aid and CPR, Mental Health First Aid for both youth and adults, QPR Suicide Prevention, Stop the Bleed, and Respite Care Provider Training. They connected with local healthcare employers, practiced interview skills, and explored their next steps at Madison College’s Spring Healthcare Showcase.
But what they gained goes beyond a résumé.
“You didn’t just complete a program—you built a community,” OFS Deputy Director of Empowerment and Strategic Initiatives Jasmine Banks said.
From Uncertainty to Confidence
For many participants, the journey began with hesitation.
“When I started, I wasn’t sure about it, but I wanted to try something new,” CareerPoint Healthcare Graduate Janiece said. “Now I’ve come out of my shell and gained my confidence and new skills.”
That transformation is at the core of CareerPoint.
“I don’t think I would be anywhere close to my career without this program,” she added. “It pushed me onto the path I actually want to be on.”
Through hands-on training and real-world preparation, participants built both technical skills and confidence.
“Now I’m very confident in filling out applications,” another graduate, Damani, said. “Having these certifications... if something happens, I know how to respond.”
Damani’s biggest takeaway from the cohort was learning how to help people struggling with mental health through the QPR Suicide Prevention training.
“It was very important to me, because a lot of people are dealing with mental health issues,” she said. “The fewer people struggling, the better.”
A Cohort That Became a Family
What started as eight individuals quickly became something more.
“I saw individuals walking in,” Nicole said. “But they became a family.”
That bond showed up in everyday moments—checking in on each other, building confidence, and forming connections that extended beyond the classroom.
“On the first day, we barely talked,” Damani said. “Now we have deep conversations. We’ve built real relationships.”
Damani added, “We got so close. I’m glad I got the opportunity to meet every single one of them.”
In just six weeks, they created a space built on trust, encouragement, and accountability.
“Sometimes we think it takes a long time to build a bond, but this group proved otherwise,” Jasmine Banks said.
Support Makes It Possible
Behind every graduate is a network of support. Participants credited Operation Fresh Start staff, instructor Nicole, employer partners, and their families for helping them succeed.
“Your support, time, and dedication truly made a difference in our lives,” another graduate, Jazmin, said.
Nicole’s impact was clear.
“She’s genuine. She actually cares about what we do after this,” Damani said. “She was checking in, making sure we were ready.”
The program also removes common barriers to participation.
“I’m a mom,” Damani said. “Being able to get paid while earning certifications meant I didn’t have to choose between school and taking care of my child.”
That combination—training, support, and a stipend—creates access to opportunity.
Looking Ahead
Graduation is just the starting point. Participants are already pursuing roles in healthcare and continuing their training.
“I’m hoping to get my CNA and help the elderly,” Janiece said. “We know we can do this now. We’re excited for the future.”
And they’re not doing it alone.
“Stay connected. Keep supporting each other. Keep growing together,” Nicole told the cohort.
Because what they built together will last.
“Once OFS, always OFS,” Jasmine Banks said.
Only the Beginning
The program may have lasted six weeks, but its impact will carry forward for years.
“This journey was not easy, but we made it,” Jazmin said. “And that’s something to be proud of.”
They leave with certifications, career direction, and something just as important: belief in themselves. This is only the beginning.