When Octavia Reed enrolled in YouthBuild Indy’s first-evercertified nursing assistant training cohort, she was looking for more than acertification but also a foundation for a better future. At 25, after growingup in the foster care system from age 15, Reed entered the 24-week programdetermined to create the kind of stability she had always wanted for herselfand her young daughter.
EmployIndy’s YouthBuild Indy program provides far more thanindustry-specific training. Participants receive a weekly stipend andopportunities to work toward their high school equivalency diploma, gainjob-readiness and leadership skills, complete relevant coursework, earn OSHA 10and first aid/CPR certifications, and receive hands-on experience and jobplacement support. This holistic approach was transformative for Reed.
She earned her CNA certification, along with OSHA 10 andfirst aid/CPR certifications, all major milestones that positioned her forsuccess in the healthcare field. Her growth during the program was so evidentthat her peers selected her to be the keynote speaker during the programcelebration, a moment that highlighted her emerging confidence and leadership.
“I wanted to earn my CNA for my daughter, to create a lifefor her that I never had,” Reed said. “But as I started working through theprogram, I realized I had to do this program for myself if I really wanted tocreate a better life for us.”
Throughout the training, Reed found her voice. She learnedhow to advocate for herself, build confidence and recognize the power of herown story — one she hopes will inspire others who have faced similar obstacles.Some days presented challenges, especially when childcare was not available.Rather than missing class, Reed brought her daughter to training, allowing herto continue progressing and supporting her family. Those moments becamemeaningful memories.
“I cherished having her with me along this journey,” shesaid.
Today, Reed works at a senior care facility and is pursuingher qualified medication aide certification. Her long-term goal reaches evenfurther: to open a group foster care home that provides teens with thestability, resources and life skills she wished she had at their age.
Reed’s accomplishments reflect YouthBuild Indy’s mission toempower young people through education, training and support that opens doorsto lasting careers and self-confidence. Last year, 681 young people engaged inEmployIndy’s re-engagement, coaching, and career development services throughYES Indy and YouthBuild Indy, with 56% of those participants transitioning intoeducation, credential training, or career preparation pathways. This workresulted in $17.1M in community savings through reduced justice system costs,higher earnings, and decreased reliance on public assistance.
Individuals interested in joining an upcoming YouthBuildIndy or YES Indy training cohort can visit employindy.org/yesindy/trainings tolearn more.
Read more about EmployIndy and their work in their Report tothe Community: HERE
