CINCINNATI (Oct. 17, 2023) — In the past year, Courtney Palmore's confidence has soared.

"When I was younger, I settled for less," says the 29-year-old mother of two. "Now, I feel like I can achieve so much."

She notched a significant achievement in December 2022 when she completed a training program and became a certified electrocardiogram (EKG)/cardiac monitor technician. Shortly thereafter, she accepted a job with a large health care provider.

Courtney says she could not afford the EKG training. So, when United Way's Project Lift paid the fees, "It helped tremendously."

Project Lift helps families achieve financial stability by removing barriers that prevent them from securing sustainable income. The program partners with sponsor organizations to offer flexible, tailored, short-term assistance that is critical to achieving long-term success.

Courtney had a hard time envisioning success a dozen years ago. At 17, she dropped out of high school and gave birth to her son.

She was determined to be a good parent and provider. She took classes and earned a GED diploma through a literacy center run by a United Way partner agency. She also took advantage of the agency's home visiting, financial coaching and employment services.

She paid out of pocket for training to become a phlebotomy technician. But every job listing she saw required both phlebotomy and EKG certifications. What's more, she was beset by self-doubt.

That's when — with the help of Project Lift — she enrolled in EKG training. "The EKG classes really gave me the confidence I needed," Courtney says. "The teacher also allowed me to sit in on phlebotomy classes, as a refresher. I felt way more confident."

Courtney brings that confidence to her job in health care. She earns enough to provide for her son and daughter. And now, she sees even more possibilities. She recently was approved for a home loan. She's taking classes to earn an associate degree in business.

"There's no limit," Courtney says. "I just see a bright future."

About United Way

With its dedicated donors, partners, volunteers and staff, United Way of Greater Cincinnati brings new voices and solutions to decades-old challenges so more families in our community thrive.

As the community catalyst, UWGC drives change through investments, influence and filling gaps in services to create lasting change for families today and for future generations.

UWGC does this by focusing on six investment portfolios: Housing First, NextGen Success, Equitable Economic Mobility, Improved Prevention/Stronger Communities, Ready Kids/Resilient Families and Responding to Community Needs.

Learn more about UWGC's work in nine counties in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and how you can be part of our collective community impact at UWGC.org. #UnitedWeThrive

Project Lift supports families on their journey to financial stability. Project Lift sponsors listen to each families’ challenges, find ways to leverage resources to assist them with short-term needs – rent, food, child care, utilities, transportation, etc. – and provide an ongoing support system as they work to increase their incomes and build long-term economic well-being.

United Way of Greater Cincinnati is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization [Tax ID: 31-0537502]. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.