We finished up the FLT year with lots of successes -- high school diplomas, driver's licenses, new jobs, increased self confidence. And to reward all that hard work, a round of awards to all our hardworking participants:
The Big Comeback Award goes to a woman who found within herself the courage that she thought she had lost. Navigating setbacks, difficult circumstances and challenging relationships, she reunited with her child, found stable housing, got her driver's license and a car, and welcomed a new member to her family. This mom effectively manages parenting her new baby while continuing to be a strong advocate for her child with special needs. She's also an institution in the Jewelry Worksite!
The Go Getter Award was earned by a woman who came to FLT with an agenda: pay off old fines -- check! Reinstate driver's license -- check! Earn high school diploma -- check! Work on parenting skills -- check! Quit smoking -- check! Start up again -- rats! Quit again -- check! Start college -- check! Get all As -- check! She IS a little gullible . . . and she's still working on toning down the swearing, but whether in worksite, in conversation, or in class, this woman has been an active participant and encouragement to many.
Until this spring, many of us thought the winner of the Emerging Star Award didn't have much to say. Well, now we know better! This award recognizes a woman with a calming presence who has brought valuable contributions to class dicussions, has become a strong team player in the Child Care Worksite, has earned all the FLT credits possible toward her high school diploma, got her driver's license, AND packs fabulous lunches for her son. To top it off, we've discovered she has a wicked sense of humor!
The Persistence Pays Award goes to a woman who went from homeless to volunteering at the very place she had found shelter. Despite a few moans and groans along the way, she earned her high school diploma and found an apartment. A devoted mother with good parenting skills, she is a natural in the Child Care Worksite. Her good sense of humor helps this woman stay focused on the future even while facing major hurdles.
The Inner Star Award goes to a woman with a quick flash of a smile, quick wit and an amazing vocabulary. How do we know her vocabulary?? Just spend some time with her daughter and you'll know! This woman is naturaly gracious and supportive of others, even when she thinks no one notices, even when the other person is a complete stranger. And despite some personal misgivings, she earned her driver's license!
The Budding Wings Award recognizes a woman who has worked hard to gain some independence. She earned her driver's license, landed a job, and is learning to speak her mind when something isn't working for her. She has learned that to ask for help when you need it is a sign of strength rather than weakness. This woman occasionally underestimates herself, but word on the street is that she's a quick learner in both Kitchen and Child Care worksites, and a kind and patient teacher to newcomers.
The Jewelry Whisperer Award goes to a quiet woman who doesn't make much hullabaloo and who remained committed to FLT despite difficult personal challenges, working steadily toward her goals. This year she is DEDICATED to the Jewelry Worksite, inspiring and being inspired, as creative there as she was in the Kitchen Worksite last year!
Originally, the woman who gets the next was self named "the drama ball." We prefer another name, and so present the Social Butterfly (instead of Drama Ball) Award. She is learning to ask for help, listen to advice and hopefully not get involved in too much drama! She is outgoing, connects with everyone and has discovered a love for the beach and ocean.
The Dependability Award recognizes a woman who holds a lot and still holds on. We couldn't have made it through the year without her in the Child Care Worksite, and I know Child Care was the envy of the Jewelry and Kitchen to have her! This woman has a depth of character that welcomes people where they are and offers what encouragement and support she can. She doesn't impose herself -- rather she gently offers bits of wisdom gleaned from her own experiences. In the same ways, she is kind and caring with children.
The Spark Award goes to a woman who might wrinkle her nose with an "I don't THINK so!" at the first suggestion of a new challenge, but just as quickly adjusts her attitude and gives it her best. Even when she's tired, this woman brings a lot of energy to the Kitchen Worksite (where she chopped her first pepper ever) and to the Child Care Worksite (where she gets right down on the floor to play with the children). She amy not think she's brave, but she came into a group that had spent most of the year together, and with her quick smile and easy laugh she made a place for herself among us and brought us some fresh (if sometimes SASSY) energy.
The Rock Steady Award is in recognition of a woman committed to showing up, getting down to work, addressing obstacles and staying focused. And her hard work is paying off! This year she earned her high school diploma AND her driver's license. She brought thoughtful insights to class and to her worksites. Comfortable to try something new, this woman has the self-confidence to state her own opinions, whether her peers agree or not. As a mom, she understands that her child's needs come before her own. We applaud her commitment to doing what needs to be done with a good attitude -- even when it's a big stack of dirty dishes!
Wow! We rarely see the winner of the Barrier Buster Award anymore, and it's not because she's slacking! Through hard work, dedication, consistent attendance and active participation in FLT for the past three years, she earned her high school diploma, got a full-time job, a car and her first apartment! This spring she transitioned her daughter to another daycare so she could keep on working toward her goals.
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