My name is Ivory Dent. I am 22 years old, this year has been a ruff year. I have been receiving TANF(cash) SNAP (food stamps) from the state of Connecticut for the past 9 months. I am ready for a change; my goal is to become more independed and relieve myself from CT state assistance, not only for myself but for my family as well. I have a 5 year old daughter, a 2 year old son. I also had a baby girl that was born in November of 2008. she pasted away in march of 2009 from SIDS, she was only months old. Everyday I explain to my children there little sister is in a better place, everything is going to be all right. I struggle every day to make a better life for my . Loosing my child was a very troubled time in my life as well as a set back.. but I know I have to stay strong and do what’s right for my family. My 2 year old is about to start pre-k. The school that he is attending does not provide transportation. I would have to bring him to school and pick him up everyday . I am a working mom willing to do any thing it takes to provide for my family even if I have to walk to and from work. My occupation is a Certified Nurses Assistance working with individuals who are developmentally disabled I have patients in difference locations in CT in order for me to obtain more hours, I need a car . Also I just graduated for the Adult Education Ins., June of 2009 receiving my high school diploma. Volunteering at facility for the elderly helping high school students with kids receive the proper training to obtain a certification as a C.N.A is one of the thing I do on a weekly basis. I also attend school in Bradford for hair dressing / cosmetology my classes are in the evening and the bus don’t run the hours that I attend so I have to find a ride and some times my ride don’t come. Food shopping for my home is limited. I can’t carrier all the groceries that I need for the month I would have to stop by the store at least two to three times a month because I travel by bus with two children.