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:::: Meet GRACE MAINA: A CC-OIC Success Story ::::

Grace Maina is a West Chester resident from Nairobi, Kenya. She is a graduate of Karen College of Nutrition in Nairobi and she also earned diplomas from the Kenya Institute of Social Work and Community Development. Jobs are scarce in Kenya, even after receiving a degree or training. After a great deal of deliberation, Grace, along with her husband and three children, immigrated to the United States in search of a future. It was hard to begin again. Her education was of no use to Grace in finding meaningful employment.

Grace successfully completed the program and was employed as a Nursing Assistant. Seeking advancement, Grace was accepted into the Licensed Practical Nurse program at CAT Brandywine. Recently, Grace graduated and passed her state licensing examination. During this time, Grace returned time and again to CC-OIC, for advice, emotional support and resources. In fact, the staff regards Grace almost as a favorite daughter. She honors that designation by remaining in touch and sharing her life with those that helped her on her path to fulfillment.

Grace has overcome many challenges — both cultural and financial — but she is determined to succeed and to pass on the lessons she has learned to her children. Life is still not easy for Grace or her family. Her husband is now studying to become a pharmacist at a university in Nevada. He is separated from his family for long periods of time. Grace has to perform many roles: mother, father, employee, student, friend, and neighbor. Yet, Grace continues to overcome and advance.

She is enrolling in Delaware County Community College to become a Registered Nurse. Chester County OIC is very proud of Grace, her determination, successes, and perseverance.

Comments or questions?  Just send an email to: jchester@cc-oic.org.