If one word best describes Kristina, it is strength. She possesses the strength to crank a diesel tire off its rim. More important, she possesses the internal strength to turn her life around and forge a new path for herself and her four children.

Kristina is 32 years old and a single mother. One year ago, she made a personal commitment to start over. She had been waitressing at a local diner for several years and was struggling to make ends meet. She had some legal troubles and recognized that she was not the role-model she had hoped to be for her kids. That recognition spurred her decision to change her ways.

Her probation officer suggested that she contact CLIMB Wyoming to get job training that would prepare her for a higher paying job.  Kristina joined the next CLIMB session, which was training a group of single mothers in "Integrated Systems Technology." Through the program, Kristina learned about various industrial systems such as plumbing, electrical, and hydraulics.
During the final phase of the CLIMB program, Kristina was placed in a job as an apprentice diesel mechanic at a truck repair shop in Cheyenne.

"I love my new career," said Kristina. "The work is challenging and I like learning new things every day."

Kristina's new career has proven a good match for her skills and motivation. She has already received a raise. The job provides health insurance.

Her transition has had a powerful impact on her family. "My daughter now sees that there are different opportunities for women," said Kristina.

Kristina's success story is the result of many factors that came together, including CLIMB's strong partnership with Wyoming state and community agencies that offered Kristina the resources she needed to change her life. Congratulations, Kristina!

Supporting families is one of the best ways the Wyoming community can help its kids. CLIMB Wyoming reaches out to women like Kristina, women who are struggling in life, perhaps abandoned by the man who had supported the family, facing addiction, or dealing with reintegration into society after incarceration. The program combines free job training with psychological counseling. The program is financed largely with public funds, mostly federal grants. Something less than one-third of its funds are private and foundation donations.  

This story about Kristina was submitted by Jessica Barrett Speer of CLIMB. It was part of a story published in The New York Times on March 6, 2008.