Dreams Work: CPTC partnership helps moms work toward a brighter future

By Jean Borst

Education and job training can make a huge difference in the lives of low-income mothers and their children. But barriers to those opportunities – including financial obstacles, limited access to resources, a lack of self-assurance and domestic violence situations – can seem insurmountable and spirit crushing.

Since 1997, the Pierce County-based Step by Step program has supported low-income women to help them have healthy babies, get a good start to parenting and ensure a brighter future for themselves and their families. One of the ways the organization fulfills its mission is through its Dreams Work job training program. Since it began in 2022, Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) and other community partners have joined with Step by Step to help moms work toward their goals of education and employment – one step at a time.

Paths to employment

Dreams Work helps mothers gain the foundational concepts, skills, mindset and work experience that they need to find gainful and meaningful employment. Over 16 weeks, program recipients receive:

• Job readiness training
• On-the-job training
• Work experience
• Mentorship
• Mental health counseling
• Life skills and parenting classes
• Other educational opportunities
• Access to a career clothes to help them feel and look their best

To ensure moms are able to fully commit to the program, Step by Step covers all their financial needs, from gas cards to child care. After 16 weeks, graduates walk away with a support group, confidence, and career and educational pathways.

To date, five cohorts have completed the Dreams Work program.

A link to education and experience

CPTC WorkForce Development Eligibility Program Assistant Bella Crouchet is the college’s point person for the Dreams Work program. Having that personal link makes it easy for moms attending the training program to learn about and connect with all the programs and services CPTC has to offer. A key part of that connection is a more streamlined route to critical financial support to help moms on their education and career journey.

In her role at the college, Crouchet provides services to and for students who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits administered through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The financial aid is designed to help families with or expecting children who need short-term assistance. The funds can be used to pay for tuition, books and other support services.

“These moms worry about the long processing times,” Crouchet said. “CPTC helps bridge the gap between starting classes and receiving financial support, which is a big barrier that often deters people from getting an education.”

Like other Step by Step business partners, the college has created internship opportunities for Dreams Work participants so they can gain job experience while going to school. That career jumpstart is especially beneficial for moms who haven’t been in the workforce for a while or lack skills.

Wider involvement

Last year, Crouchet became a Dreams Work life coach and expanded her involvement in the program and in the lives of the women it serves. In addition to being their contact at CPTC, she also works closely with Dreams Work participants to provide life skills training.

Paige Hudson is of those moms. Hudson had her daughter at the age of 21. When she found herself a single mother, she knew she had to provide for herself, her child and their future.

“After I left a domestic violence relationship with my daughter’s father, the Dreams Work program showed me that I am valued,” Hudson said. “I learned some valuable lessons throughout the program, and it definitely changed my perspective on life.”

Thanks to the program and CPTC’s partnership, Hudson enrolled in the college’s Medical Assistant program. She’ll complete her degree in 2025.

“I’m grateful that Bella connected me with CPTC and helped me with opportunities to further my education,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to my future now.”

Finding their voice

For Crouchet, the experience has been transformational and inspiring. Many of the stay-at-home mothers she’s worked with said they felt like they were stuck in a rut and had lost their sense of self before they found Dreams Work.

“Over this 16-week program, these moms find their voice and their passion, and many of them are really excited to talk about school and to come to CPTC,” Crouchet said. “I just love to hear that. I hope more moms will be able to take advantage of the program.”

For more information about the Dreams Work program, visit the Step by Step website.

Step-by-Step is supported by its social enterprises Farm 12 and Fika, and funding from government organizations, grants and community members.