"Throughout our three cups of coffee, I was able to help LaShaun better understand how to recognize her strengths,
how her past experiences make her a uniquely strong candidate, and how to showcase her skills. But honestly, I likely learned
more from LaShaun in hearing about her experiences than she learned from me." -Sarah Minney, LaShaun Martin's mentor
how her past experiences make her a uniquely strong candidate, and how to showcase her skills. But honestly, I likely learned
more from LaShaun in hearing about her experiences than she learned from me." -Sarah Minney, LaShaun Martin's mentor
LaShaun Martin
Did you know that Pennsylvania is experiencing one of the largest increases in homeless veterans of all 50 states?
Did you know that 75 percent of Pittsburgh’s poorest households are headed by single mothers?
When I fled from a domestic violence relationship last year, I embodied both of these statistics. I was an unemployed, homeless military veteran trying to provide for my two children.
I have dedicated my life to serving my country and my community. I served in the U.S. Army for six years, including a tour of duty in Germany. After my honorable separation, I started a family and spent several years caring for my children and working part-time as a self-employed baker of natural and organic baked goods. In 2009, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Services and began work as a social worker and substitute teacher.
But when I found myself alone, three years out of the workforce, and no clear path in sight, I realized I was the one who needed help. The service I received from Pennsylvania Women Work literally transformed my life.
When I enrolled in the New Choices program, the PA Women Work staff arranged for child care for my children and transportation assistance. I would wake up at 6 a.m. to take the bus across town to drop off my children. I would then take another bus to the New Choices training site in another part of town to participate all day in career development and computer classes. I'd take a third bus back to pick up my children and then finally a fourth bus back home. My family would arrive home just in time for dinner, and then we’d go to bed to wake up and do it all again the next day. I believed in the process, and I made it to every single class.
Did you know that 75 percent of Pittsburgh’s poorest households are headed by single mothers?
When I fled from a domestic violence relationship last year, I embodied both of these statistics. I was an unemployed, homeless military veteran trying to provide for my two children.
I have dedicated my life to serving my country and my community. I served in the U.S. Army for six years, including a tour of duty in Germany. After my honorable separation, I started a family and spent several years caring for my children and working part-time as a self-employed baker of natural and organic baked goods. In 2009, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Services and began work as a social worker and substitute teacher.
But when I found myself alone, three years out of the workforce, and no clear path in sight, I realized I was the one who needed help. The service I received from Pennsylvania Women Work literally transformed my life.
When I enrolled in the New Choices program, the PA Women Work staff arranged for child care for my children and transportation assistance. I would wake up at 6 a.m. to take the bus across town to drop off my children. I would then take another bus to the New Choices training site in another part of town to participate all day in career development and computer classes. I'd take a third bus back to pick up my children and then finally a fourth bus back home. My family would arrive home just in time for dinner, and then we’d go to bed to wake up and do it all again the next day. I believed in the process, and I made it to every single class.
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After New Choices, I continued into the 3 Cups of Coffee® mentoring program. My mentor worked closely with me to determine how my travel and military experiences translated into social work skills. She helped me identify my dream job and by our last meeting, I had acquired all the security clearances and documentation I needed to qualify.
Since beginning the program, I have acquired permanent housing and a great new job that will allow me to provide for my children. I could not have made such a stunning recovery toward securing housing and acquiring the readiness skills necessary to engage a highly competitive job market without Pennsylvania Women Work. Pennsylvania Women Work serves women in desperate need of economic assistance. I’m proud to help them serve their mission, and I ask you to lend your aid as well. Please join me in making a donation today. 
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