“I would’ve never thought that I would be here…but I knew I wasn’t living up my full potential,” Dawit Tesfamicheal says as he reflects on his recent accomplishments.
It was just a year ago that Dawit graduated from SOME’s Addiction Treatment Program, after learning about the program through another SOME client. SOME’s Residential Addictions Treatment program offers a safe house for clients prior to going to residential treatment and transitional housing for clients returning from our West Virginia facility.
After completing the program, Dawit was ready for his new life. Dawit joined SOME’s Center of Employment Program where adult students can earn occupational credentials and certifications as a student in both healthcare and building trades. He credits SOME CET Medical Assistant instructor, Amisha Gathers, for helping him make the transition from a job in retail to a new career as a Medical Assistant.
“CET’s hands-on environment in the classroom made learning a lot easier. I’ve taken my mom’s blood sugar before but it’s a lot different than taking a patient’s,” he says.
Since graduating from the CET program, Dawit began working at SOME in the Senior Services department at Kuehner House as a Program Support Specialist, where he coordinates and facilitates workshops and activities for seniors. SOME’s Senior Services offers programming that helps maintain the health and well-being of vulnerable seniors in the District, which, in turn, helps them to remain independent in their homes and communities.