CHICAGO (CBS) – For some, growing older is an exhausting but eye-opening opportunity to make some big changes.
One program tries to help new mothers.
Shakiya Horne has been in her new job at an Oak Park CVS for about a month. Sometimes she calls customers. Other times she straightens products.
Ultimately, she would like to sort pills as a pharmacy technician.
“I was actually looking at the medical field,” Horne said.
It’s a career she put on hold when her now two-year-old son, Steve, was born.
“I don’t want to ask people for things like help taking care of my child. I want that to be my responsibility,” Horne said. “So it was just a point where I had to get up and do something.”
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That’s what led Horne to a job development program in which CVS Health prepares new or expectant mothers for two tracks: pharmacy or retail work.
Laura Zumdahl and New Moms, the nonprofit she leads, are also part of the story. The Chicago-based organization offers parents a place to play, a life coach, baby supplies and more.
“A job is very important, an important step on the ladder of economic mobility, but it’s also important for them to be part of this community and have these other supports as well,” Zumdahl said.
New Moms also offers housing for up to two years. Furnished apartments are available for mothers at an affordable price. It’s an opportunity some CVS graduates are taking advantage of.
“That’s what it feels like to have my own place, like a breath of fresh air,” said Stephanie Holloway, a mother in the program.
Holloway said her daughter Adore and other women in the program inspired her to continue training.
“I’m not the only mom who gets up every day and takes my daughter to daycare and goes to work,” she said.
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At CVS, training will help solve the vacancy problem, but CVS Health human resources manager Viv Harper explained that the bigger appeal is that moms are packed with overlooked talent.
“They know how to juggle. They know how to multitask. They know how to prioritize,” Harper said. “They know efficiency. Those skills can be applied in a role.”
As for Horne, she can’t believe how quickly Steve has grown.
“For me, motherhood has been really good for me right now,” she said.
Horne also can’t believe how much the opportunity through CVS has changed her.
News reporter: “Rewind to a year ago, did you ever think you’d be here now?”
Horn: “No. No. I never thought that.”
News reporter: “You’re smiling. You must be very proud of yourself.”
Horn: “Yes, I am proud of myself because this is a big step for me.”
Lauren’s victory
