Statement of Fatima Wilkerson, Baltimore, Maryland

Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Human Resources
of the House Committee on Ways and Means

Hearing on Implementation of Welfare Reform Work Requirements and Time Limits

March 7, 2002

Good Morning Chairman and Human Resources subcommittee.

My name is Fatima Wilkerson and I currently receive support services through the Goodwill industries work matters program.

When I was 16 I became pregnant with my first child. Before my son was even born I was faced with a multitude of barriers that would prevent me from being able to support my child on my own. I was a high school drop out, I had no job skills or training and my son's father had been shot in the head and partially paralyzed leaving me to single-handedly support my child.

I turned 17 and was able to find work as a housekeeper from 11 o'clock at night to 7:30 in the morning. As I tried to make advances without the help of Social Services, new problems like daycare and transportation began to arise. I also had the burden of caring for my 12 and 6 year old little brothers due to the incarceration of both my mother and father. These crippling circumstances soon became too overwhelming for me and I eventually quit my job.

I began to receive benefits from social services at 18. After a few months of receiving benefits, I was enrolled into a GED training course and eventually received my high school diploma. Receiving my diploma helped me to realize that I could achieve goals with effort, perseverance and patience. However, I had no idea what those goals were. I had received my High School diploma, but had no idea what to do with that diploma.

Being referred to Goodwill through the Office of Employment and Development was a changing point in my life.  I was given the support and assistance I needed to overcome my barriers.  I received assistance in transportation and with finding daycare.  I received assistance in maintaining stable housing after constant problems with my landlord.

I was given work experience and skills training through subsidized employment from Goodwill, and I was awarded the Better Opportunities Through Online Education scholarship from Goodwill, which allows me to attend the University of Maryland University College.

Goodwill is responsible for finding my current employer, The MCS Group, Inc., and I referred by Goodwill to I.D.A., a program which gives assistance that will put me on the path of home ownership.

Goodwill helped me to assess where I was in life and connect that to where I eventually want to be. Goodwill never sheltered me from my problems instead, Goodwill and its staff provided me with the support and assistance I needed to face those problems without being side-tracked from my aspirations of independence.

My transition from welfare to work is still in process. However, I am more than convinced that the services that I received at Goodwill thus far have brought me to the level of independence that I have achieved today.

Thank You For Your Time.