A New Life in a New City

Mayor’s Office of Community Services

Brenda McCrae

her life. That change would mean leaving her siblings, uprooting her five children and moving to Philadelphia. Once in Pennsylvania, the Workwise Program of the Mayor's Office of Community Services (MOCS) would be her saving grace.

The decision to relocate came after the passing of Brenda's mother who had suffered a lingering illness. Brenda had been caring for her mother and her five children in addition to her adult siblings. She was having difficulty finding and maintaining employment because her mother needed so much care. At the same time, the New York County Assistance Office did not provide adequate support. After realizing that she was taking responsibility for more than she could handle, Brenda made the decision to move with her children to Philadelphia and start to build a new life.

Armed with both surgical technology and nursing assistant certificates, Brenda went to a local CareerLink where she was referred to the Workwise Program at MOCS. In May of this year, the Workwise team of Ruth Burgos, Ernest Cannon, Irene Council and Deborah Manson set into motion a plan that was destined to succeed.

Ruth Burgos helped Brenda secure childcare funds and special allowances from the County Assistance Office to facilitate her job search. The Workwise Program initially provided bus tokens. Ernest Cannon escorted Brenda to two career fairs where she found several options suitable for her skills. Irene Council accompanied Brenda to various sites for employment opportunities while Deborah Manson offered moral support whenever Brenda felt pressured and anxious. Deborah was also there to write her a letter of recommendation when it mattered most.

Within the same month of coming to the Workwise Program, Brenda was hired as a teacher's aide and Certified Nursing Assistant. The position offered her an acceptable starting salary and health care benefits. The Workwise team reports that she was always present and punctual and closely followed the advice of the staff.  

"God bless the Workwise Program! When I didn't know what to do or where to turn, you were there offering the support I needed," said Brenda. "A month ago, my family and I wanted to give up because nothing was working for us. But MOCS Workwise staff encouraged me to be patient and to keep going. My children and I are happy now that I can support them. With God, everything is going to be all right."

Mayor's Office of Community Services is a public Community Action Agency providing services to low-income citizens of Philadelphia.