RAI FAMILY STORY

Mr. and Mrs. Rai began faithfully attending English classes immediately upon arrival in Chicago, even when they had to walk two miles to and from class because they lacked bus cards.

A federal subsidy assisted with rent for the first four months. During this time, they participated in weekly job training classes and filled out applications everywhere they could find one. With help from their resettlement agency, Mrs. Rai was finally able to secure employment as a hotel housekeeper. She worked long hours and was constantly praised by her supervisors.

Mrs. Rai was able to pay all household expenses, with the help of food stamps, and a medical card for her daughter. But sadly, her hours were cut drastically when winter came which led to an eviction notice. After so many months of hard work, the Rai family faced homelessness.

Because of his limited English skills, Mr. Rai has faced a much harder time finding a job. He continues with English classes and his ability has increased tremendously over the months. He worked as a truck driver in Nepal and would very much like to be one in Chicago.

During her off time, Mrs. Rai diligently filled out paperwork, interviewed, and worked countless hours to secure Workforce Investment Act funding so she could train for her Certified Nursing Assistant degree. She was granted the funding, but can’t access it because her employer won’t give her a set day off work to complete her clinical training. Her dream of becoming a nurse has been put on hold as she attends to the basic needs of her family.

The Rai family will survive in Illinois through hard work and determination. However, with slightly more financial and job training assistance they would be able to achieve their long term goals of secure employment and self sufficiency in the United States.