"My name is Joseph M. I am an asylum seeker living and working here in Spokane as a Nursing Assistant. My journey with WorkSource started in November 2024 when I was faced with tough living conditions and I did not have a job. I was desperate and hopeless as I did not know where to start. Having grown up in a different country everything was new to me, and I felt lost. In desperation I went online and looked for programs that can assist someone in my situation.
The light came when I got my first email response from my WorkSource Career Coach. She assisted in giving me guidance and training to get credentials for a new job as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She also introduced me to the MISA program in April 2025. I was excited to join the program as it provided an opportunity to learn about my finances, which was important to me. I kept the learning materials for my reference as they are helping me manage my finances. The match program enabled me to save $9,000 that I have used to lower down my car debt and other loans, and I am targeting to clear all my loans and stay out of debt in the next 2 years.
My case manager is my Guardian Angel. She has made me feel safe and not alone and has supported my dreams to become a Nurse when I shared with her and that encouraged me a lot to keep going and not give up.
I wish to thank the MISA Program sponsors and organizers Umpqua Bank and WorkSource for giving me a chance to be part of this program and assisting me to achieve what seemed to be impossible. May God Bless You All"
Joseph successfully completed CNA training and obtained employment as a caregiver at two local Adult Family Homes, making a combined wage of $23/hour, with which he has reached 141% of his self-sufficiency goal. He completed his tenure working with the team at WorkSource, graduating from services as of August 2025. Our programming helped him obtain stable, affordable housing, and his Matched Investment Savings Account (MISA) enabled him to pay off half of his car loan. We're so proud of you Joseph and thankful you are working as a caregiver in our community! Thank you to WA Dept. of Commerce for the Community Reinvestment Funds that enabled us to provide wraparound services and support Joseph's dreams.
