Dominique Baker enrolled in WMCAT’s tuition-free Adult Career Training Program as a medical billing student because she wanted to create a solid economic foundation for her kids.
Dominique Baker is a patient service representative at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.
During her time in the program, she faced many challenges – housing insecurity, balancing work and rigorous academics – all while being a mom. When she questioned whether she could make it through the program, Dominique’s classmates and instructors came alongside her with care and resources, even surprising her with gift cards and presents for her kids. “The program is not just geared toward your career,” Dominique said. “You make connections. They really care about you and your situation, so that you can be your best self.”
Dominique with her children Kayden (age 6, left) and Maverick (age 5, right).
She will walk across the graduation stage in June 2022, but her determination – combined with the support of her classmates – has already paid off.
In January she started a new job at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, and in March she moved into a new home with her kids. Dominique will tell you that this whole journey has been for her children. “There’s no better feeling than knowing that they have seen me overcome. To make them proud and show them ‘you can do it!’ – all of it has been worth it.”
“I’d do it ten times over to have those little people be like ‘Mom, I’m proud of you. You did it.’”
Your support of WMCAT provides students like Dominique the opportunity to build income security for themselves, their families, and their futures.
Learn more at work.wmcat.org.
