From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Essence’s Journey to a Healthcare Career

Essence began her journey with the Partnership. Accountability. Training. Hope. (PATH) program at Michigan Works! Southwest in September 2024 as a single parent with patient care assistance experience, hoping to continue her career in the healthcare sector by gaining a Medical Assistant training at Ross Medical; however, she faced various barriers to successfully gaining certification, including transportation and childcare. By leveraging PATH resources, support from her MWSW PATH Career Coach, and her dedication, Essence completed her training in January 2025. Graduating top of her class, she received a pin for excellence and was named class spokesperson.

When asked about Essence’s achievements, Diana Jones, Associate Director at Ross Medical, stated. “I didn’t have the pleasure of working with Essence very long, but she was the epitome of perseverance and determination. It was a pleasure to watch her grow in her knowledge and confidence as a medical assistant. I wish her nothing but the best!”

Following her graduation, Essence was selected for an internship at Borgess Neurology in Kalamazoo, where she successfully enhanced her skills and gained valuable work experience. Upon completing her internship, Essence received job offers from two local healthcare facilities. Bronson and Borgess, and ultimately accepted a position at Bronson Internal Medicine, making $21.56 per hour as a Medical Assistant.

During her time in the program, Essence received essential support to overcome barriers to education and employment, including assistance with clothing and transportation. In partnership with DHHS, Essence and her PATH Career Coach also secured childcare and associated financial aid for her son, which aligned with her work schedule, allowing her to focus on school and work. Essence also received a vehicle with associated registration and insurance through the PATH program to support her employment retention, as well as Transitional Supportive Service incentives for reaching participation milestones.

Through her dedication and engagement with the PATH program, Essence successfully achieved self-sufficiency, resulting in her Family Independence Program (FIP) case closing in May 2025 and her participation in PATH successfully concluding in August 2025. As of September 2025, Essence has continued to work full-time at Bronson while continuing her career growth by pursuing her nursing degree at Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Though her PATH case is now closed, Essence recently updated her Michigan Works! Southwest PATH Career Coach, Sondra, stating, “So thankful, Ms. Sondra, miss seeing you. I started classes for RN, and my son started KRESA. Thank you for everything in PATH, all the encouraging words, and I definitely appreciate you for being amazing, and wish you well. We appreciate you so much.”