Jessica first heard about American Indian OIC through the South Minneapolis community. She had previously enrolled in our GED program, but didn’t finish. After gaining custody of her nephew, she felt a renewed motivation to attain her GED—a personal goal she was ready to tackle, despite not ever being a big fan of school.
After a years long battle with incarceration and addiction, Brigette reached a turning point during her final encounter with the criminal justice system. She was determined to change her life, and she did. She served her last sentence in a county jail where she took advantage of every opportunity available- joining a work crew, enrolling in training, and becoming the first person in her facility to obtain a Microsoft Office certification. This milestone not only marked a shift in her own mind but also inspired others around her who she encouraged to join in committing to a better future.
When Marie joined the AIOIC’s career counseling program last year, she was at a turning point. After leaving a job that wasn’t fulfilling, she found herself receiving cash benefits and searching for a new direction. Having worked in several industries Marie knew she wanted something different: a stable office job where she could grow, feel appreciated, and give back to her community.
“Ammilyn, Fond du Lac band of Minnesota Chippewa and Cheyenne River Sioux, enrolled in Takoda GED program after leaving a suburban Twin Cities high school, where she at times felt unwelcome and grappled with mental health challenges.
