Pathways to Recovery
Carina Normil
From One Email to a Healthcare Career
Union County
Carina Normil’s journey toward a healthcare career began with a single opportunity. On September 25, 2025, she received an email from the New Jersey Department of Labor that would ultimately change the direction of her life. On October 14, she connected with WorkForce Advantage and enrolled in services that placed her on a new path forward.
At the time, Carina was unemployed and relying on state benefits. Financial barriers could easily have prevented her from pursuing professional training. Through the Pathways to Recovery program, however, she gained access to the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at no cost.
The opportunity transformed a healthcare goal that once felt financially out of reach into an achievable career plan.
Skills, Support, and Confidence
Throughout the program, Carina demonstrated determination, resilience, and a strong commitment to her future. She developed the technical skills needed to enter healthcare while benefiting from a supportive environment created by staff and peers.
The relationships she formed with fellow students became an important source of encouragement. They supported one another through exams and continued cheering each other on as they moved into employment.
Full-Time Employment and Independence
By spring 2026, Carina reached a major milestone by securing full-time employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Today, she earns $23 per hour during the week and $25 per hour on weekends, providing her with both financial stability and independence.
Her work allows her to continue pursuing the long-term goal that brought her to the program: building a meaningful career in healthcare with room for growth and advancement.
A Foundation for Future Growth
Carina credits Urban WorkForce Advantage with giving her the foundation to succeed and the confidence to continue pursuing her dreams. Her story demonstrates how access to training, combined with the right support system, can create lasting change and open the door to new possibilities.
