Carolina has reached her fundraising goal on HandUp!

About me.

I am originally from Nicaragua and came to live in San Francisco when I was 8 years old. I grew up in the city, got married and then moved to Minnesota. I came back to San Francisco to be close to my family and to renew my Esthetician License. I am the mother of 3 kids, two girls and one boy. Currently, I am unemployed, but seeking employment and working towards getting enrolled in courses that will allow me to become a better candidate in the massage industry. I would like to get more training on Deep Tissue and Prenatal Massage since these are highly demanded skills when trying to get a job at a spa. I just completed some time volunteering at a non-profit organization working with immigrants get a fair pay through the welfare to work Calworks program. Before, I worked as counselor in the Crisis Suicidal Prevention hotline and assisting people get employment through job readiness trainings. I also gained experience in therapeutic massage and holistic facials while working in Minnesota.

My backstory.

After my husband graduated from college in Minnesota, we decided to move back to San Francisco to also seek for better employment opportunities. However, it was very difficult to find a job and without a stable income we have not been able to find a place that we can afford to rent. Luckily my husband is finishing up an internship that will give him more permanent employment opportunities. I recently got registered as Independent Contractor with a couple of massage therapist agencies where I am able to get some massage jobs during the month, I am also receiving Case Management services at the Compass Family Resource Center where I get support around educational goals and employment. Therefore one of the great things that can help me out with school and employment search will be a laptop that I can carry around to become more efficient. I would also like to buy more materials like essential oils, spray bottles and labels to sell my own products. I am very grateful for your support and I appreciate anything you can give.

My goals, moving forward.

After having completed the couple of courses I need and pay the licensing fees, I want to get a job that will give me the essential needs to continue supporting my family. Then, my dream is to eventually have my own massage studio with some retail and wellness products for sell. And, my greatest goal will be to have a home where my family and I will be able to be united and stabilized to continue reaching for our life dreams.

Thank you