October 1, 2026
When Naquaya entered Ohio Career Launch with her daughter, Anora, in November 2025, employment was only one of the challenges in front of her. She was navigating homelessness and unreliable childcare while working toward greater stability for herself and her daughter.
Within weeks, Naquaya secured consistent childcare, allowing her to focus more fully on her employment goals. But housing remained uncertain. After reaching the end of her shelter stay, she and her daughter were temporarily placed in a hotel while Naquaya remained engaged in the program and continued moving forward.
Through Next Level Employment, Naquaya secured a work experience at the Coleman Center as a Front Desk Specialist. The opportunity became an important turning point. She demonstrated a strong work ethic and excellent attendance, and in April 2026, the Coleman Center offered her a permanent position.
“I showed up to work every day, never late, and my boss saw the work ethic in me and offered me a position.”
At the same time, Naquaya continued working toward stable housing. After approximately six months in shelters and temporary housing, she was approved for an ICAN housing voucher and secured a two-bedroom apartment, providing a stable home for her family.
The experience also helped shape what came next. After hearing a speaker at Next Level, Naquaya decided to pursue her interest in helping others and enrolled at Stark State College as a Human and Social Services major, successfully completing her first semester.
In less than a year, Naquaya navigated homelessness and childcare challenges, turned a work experience into permanent employment, secured stable housing and began pursuing a college education and a career in human services—all while building a more stable future for herself and her daughter.
