When Fran LeMaster applied to attend NOSW’s residential program, she was at her lowest point in life. A native of Flat Gap in Johnson County, Kentucky, she was nearing retirement age when she was unexpectedly let go from the nursing home where she had been employed as a CNA for nearly 20 years.
The loss of her income and livelihood sent Fran into a major depression. And seeing no way out of her situation, she even considered suicide. A friend who graduated from the program told Fran she thought the NOSW could help.
The first day Fran arrived in Berea she immediately felt a renewal of her spirit. It felt like a place she could flourish, she said, and she concentrated on working through the program’s self-development modules. During the second week, Fran was told by instructors about an opening for a CNA position in the Berea Healthcare Center. While still focused on the NOSW program, Fran applied and interviewed for the job.
Fran was hired before graduation day. NOSW staff helped Fran secure an apartment in Berea, and she started her new job, which included a pay raise and benefits she didn’t have before.
Fran settled right into her new hometown and has continued to thrive ever since she came through our doors!
