Eight years ago Vanessa Royer left during her first semester as a student at the University of Maine at Machias (UMM) because of personal issues. At the time she could not have foreseen herself back at UMM successfully starting on her sophomore year in the bachelor of science nursing degree program. Part of that success is because of guidance she has received through Family Futures Downeast (FFD), a program that assists low‑income adults with children through a one‑year certificate program at UMM or Washington County Community College. Parents receive post‑secondary education support and children receive access to early childhood or alternative education.
     "You think that when a door closes, like a sick child and debt," Royer pauses and adds, "I let it get in the way." Now, she says, she wants her 5‑year‑old son to know, "There's always another chance to make something of yourself."
     Marsha Sloan, director of FFD, explains that the program looks especially closely at barriers to enrolling in college. Transportation, debt and childcare are the three big ones, she adds.
     When Royer left UMM she had some debt from her room and board bill. Then her son was born with critical health problems. She says, "He had nine surgeries by the time he was six months old. You wouldn't know it now, but at the time you sign a lot of scary papers and hear a lot of scary news."
     During this intense period of Royer's life she began to understand that nursing was her passion. "There were a lot of nurses who helped me when I needed it. It's a big thing," she explains. She has been a pharmacy tech and a certified nursing assistant, but now she knows with absolute certainty that a career in nursing is where she belongs, and she will most likely continue her education with advance degree learning. As a full‑time mother and student who also works full time, she knows the importance of a meaningful career that brings financial security to her and her son.
     Sloan explains that her program has a variety of ways to help with defaulted loans and debt issues. It's critical to get the defaulted loans out of that status in order for students to access federal loan programs to pay for their education. In the area of transportation, FFD might help with snow tires or car repairs, ride assistance through Downeast Community Partners or perhaps a small payment voucher to a neighbor who's willing to drive the student to school and back. Sloan says, "We often work six months out to make these plans" so that those enrolled in the program will be successful.
     UMM Head of Campus Andy Egan says that the university is proud to have been part of FFD since it started. He explains, "We are thrilled with its success. Removing barriers to higher education for parents of young children means that more Washington County families are on the path to financial security."
     Royer credits the FFD program and her coach, Lori Joy, with helping her figure out her goals and her path forward. This is no small task, involving five areas at minimum: academic, career, household, whole family and children. Royer first heard about the program through the CareerCenter, which called her to let her know there was a spot open. She met with Joy and was enrolled by the end of July 2017. Royer says, "It helped me, as Lori says, 'blossom.' I found my voice." For someone who wouldn't enter a room if she didn't know anyone there, she recognizes how much self‑confidence she has gained.
     "We have so many like her," Sloan says of Royer, "who have really demonstrated the success of the program." The comfort level between an FFD coach and enrolled parent is important, because the two of them work to define goals. "What do they envision for themselves and their family?" Sloan asks. "They start an assessment of barriers and concerns. It might be a parent in their 30s who hasn't been in school for many years." Happily, the program, in its third year, is achieving positive results. Sloan notes that 70% complete their first year. "We know if they complete their first year that 87% will go on to a two or four year degree. It's a really good entry into college because of all the support."
     Egan notes, "A four‑year degree is required for many of the careers of today and tomorrow, including nursing, engineering, education and the sciences. Expanding opportunities for local people to join the workforce is worth making upfront investments such as FFD, the Downeast Promise Initiative and this year's ballot question."
     More information about the FFD program can be found at <wwwfamilyfuturesdowneast.org> or by calling Sloan at 255‑0983.