A new jobs program in the District is finding good-paying government positions for the city's single parents.
Nydra Allen was one of the single mothers to go through the L.E.A.P. (Learn, Earn, Advance, Prosper) program.
After three years of unemployment, Allen was struggling to find work.
"It was hectic. Because of my break in employment no one wanted to give me an opportunity when I had degrees," Allen said.
Through L.E.A.P., Allen received a paid apprenticeship at a D.C. government agency -- leading to a full-time job.
Allen said the job allows her to provide for her children without government assistance.
"It meant we were on the road to do better, it meant a lot for me," Allen said.
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Participants in L.E.A.P. begin their training by learning skills such as goal setting.
"I get to work on my resume. I work on how an employer sees me on paper and build my confidence and the job skills I may have been lacking with hands-on training," said Cynthia Russell, a L.E.A.P. participant.
"It’s a matter of D.C. showing we are committed to our residents and allowing them to get entry level positions," Tamitha Christian, Deputy Administrator of D.C. Deptpartment of Human Services.
Christian says during the past year, nearly two dozen D.C. residents have found full-time D.C. government jobs through the program.
Visit the D.C. government website to learn more about L.E.A.P.
