Thu. Nov 14th, 2024

Building a Brighter Future: Family First Grantee Daughters of Zion Hosts 7th CNA Graduation in 18 months, Fighting Poverty One Family at a Time

By Staff:

Shelby County, TN —- On the evening of September 24, 2024, Daughters of Zion celebrated a significant milestone: the graduation of its seventh Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students in just 18 months. As a pivotal Family First grantee under the Tennessee State Department of Human Services, Daughters of Zion is not just a training program; it is a beacon of hope and empowerment for families throughout Shelby County.

The graduation event, filled with tears of joy, laughter, and pride, highlighted the program’s commitment to fostering self-sufficiency through education and personal responsibility. Daughters of Zion underscores the transformative power of community-driven initiatives aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. 

At the heart of the celebration was Shonquilnet Rockmore, a proud graduate whose 7-year-old son, Darek, exclaimed with delight, “My mommy is graduating – she is going to be a doctor.” Shon reflected on her journey, acknowledging the challenges she faced but also recognizing the profound impact the program has had on her family. Inspired by Shon’s determination, her sister, Letisha Street, has decided to return to the University of Memphis to complete her psychology degree, a testament to the ripple effect this program creates within families.

 

Fellow graduate Tiffany Smith also shared her aspirations of giving back to her community. With plans to work at a local nursing home, Tiffany expressed her desire to inspire others in her neighborhood to pursue training opportunities, creating pathways to employment for residents. Her dedication was supported by her family, including her mother, Callie Cooper, who enthusiastically cheered on her daughter through the process.

 

Morgan Harris stood in awe at her own achievement, reflecting on how completing the program will reshape her life and that of her son. With the unwavering support of her mother, Morgan aims to set a positive example in her community, showcasing the importance of perseverance and resilience.

 

For Tiffany Golden Lester, the completion of the program promises a brighter future. With over ten years of experience in healthcare, she looks forward to securing her CNA license, which will enhance her family’s financial stability. Tiffany’s aspirations to provide for her 12-year-old son through education and experiences reflect the program’s core mission of uplifting families.

 

 

Takeiya Grayer, another determined graduate, expressed her eagerness to seize this new chapter in her life. Supported by her fiancé, Jaylen Doss, who played the role of her practice patient, Takeiya’s journey is a testament to how personal sacrifices and familial support can lead to success. Despite recent tragedies, Takeiya’s resilience shines as she aims to influence her community positively.

 

 

As Daughters of Zion continues to shine as a premier poverty-fighting organization in Shelby County, it stands as a model for how educational programs can effectively change lives. The graduates of Daughters of Zion are not just entering the workforce; they are building families, creating generational change, and uplifting their communities.

For those looking to transform their lives and futures, enrollment is now open for Daughters of Zion’s William & Johnson Career College CNA program. Interested individuals can call 901-570-3220 to take the first step toward empowerment and community building. 

Daughters of Zion is more than a program; it’s a movement towards self-sufficiency that reverberates throughout Shelby County, promising a brighter future for all.

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