“I have hope and a bright future ahead of me because I was given an amazing opportunity to further my education.”
Cassandra White, Olympic Connect client
Cassandra White became a client with Olympic Connect in January of 2026. She was in the process of starting her life over with her children and was at the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) in Port Angeles looking for help.
“I had no money, no job, and I was fleeing a domestic situation and had little hope I would find what I was looking for, but something pulled my focus and I saw the table at DSHS with the Olympic Connect folks,” Cassandra said.
“I figured I would ask if they offered financial help or know of anyone who did because I needed help to get into Allure Academy of Cosmetology school so that I can become a nail tech to be able to build a future for my children and I,” she said.
Through Olympic Connect, Cassandra worked with a care coordinator from First Step Family Support Center. With the help of her care coordinator, Cassandra was able to successfully apply for the Employment Support Program, Tuition for Short-Term Training Program to receive financial assistance that covered the cost of going to Allure Academy of Cosmetology–something not typically covered by traditional tuition assistance like FAFSA.
“My care coordinator reached out to me and in about a month’s time she was able to find funding for me so I can make my dream job a reality! It took a total of about two months, and I was able to start my schooling!” Cassandra said.
The completion of this program means that once Cassandra graduates she will have gained a new skill-set to build her own business or work at an established business with the potential to earn a living wage to support herself and her family.
“Every person who’s helped me in this process has been so kind, caring, helpful and generous! I feel so blessed that I came across this opportunity and I truly hope more folks will be able to benefit from this program as I have!” Cassandra said. “I have hope and a bright future ahead of me because I was given an amazing opportunity to further my education. I’m so thankful!” she said.
Olympic Connect is a community-driven network of partners on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas that supports care coordination to local resources like health care, food, financial assistance, childcare, and more. To get started, fill out the online referral form or call 360-301-8252.