Urban League of Birmingham - No Beauty School Drop Out

Client: Jasmina C

Jasmina C is a single, 19-year-old African American female, who began services with the Birmingham Urban League in January of 2016. She was referred by another student in our program. Jasmina was a recent emancipated youth from the child welfare system here in Birmingham. Jasmina receives social security income and shares and apartment with her paramour. She admittingly had substance abuse issues and lacked family support, however, she was dedicated and determined to get on track and plan for her future. She had never had a job, but knew that she desired to do hair and possibly do motivational speaking with teens and girls like her who grew up in the child welfare system.

Upon entering the program at the Urban League, Jasmina had one goal and that was to obtain her GED. Jasmina was  discouraged by her employment options and took notice to the fact that her education or lack thereof was limiting her abilities to do anything that she has interests in; which consisted of cosmetology, aesthetics and/or other options in the beauty industry. In the classroom setting Jasmina and others had been discussing career pathways and began identifying career paths and opportunities that best fit their personalities, skills, and interest. Shortly thereafter Jasmina and a classmate got into a physical altercation. Under normal circumstances, participants are immediately discharged from the program. Instead, both received a short suspension. Upon her return, we discussed what happened, why she reacted in the way she did, how to better handle similar situations in the future, and next steps. Jasmina was very grateful. We again looked at her goals, set new ones that consisted of her focusing on getting her GED, and getting on track to attend cosmetology courses at Lawson State Community College.

Time and time again, Jasmina was faced with the challenges of not having family support and transportation issues. We were able to assist with these barriers by providing monthly bus passes and offering additional counseling and case management services. Jasmina, began to show great focus and progress in the program after approximately six months. In December, Jasmina was more than determined that her Christmas present would be her GED and that is exactly what she received.

Jasmina in all her excitement and determination, said that she was not willing to stop there. She was not interested in going to work and accepting anything less than her dream job of becoming a beautician. She applied to Lawson State Community College, completed her FAFSA, and she was accepted into the winter semester and began classes January 9, 2017. It has only been a couple weeks; however, she is excited and motivated to succeed. She gives credit to the Birmingham Urban League for giving her not only a first chance but a second chance. We on the other hand point out her own personal drive and explains that it was hard work and determination that has gotten her to this point.

Jasmina states, “If it had not been for the love and support that the Birmingham Urban League offered, I would have given up after only a few months.”

To learn more about programs at the Birmingham Urban League Click Here