Medicaid Impact: Rhode Islanders share how their funding empowers them
Nicholas Fartura, 24, of Bristol has been working part time at Roger Williams University’s dining hall for four years. Thanks to his Medicaid-funded job coaching services, he has the support he needs to navigate challenges in the workplace and maintain his employment.
“My job coach, Jake, is really great,” Nicholas said. “Knowing that Jake will be checking in and helping me with my online RWU trainings makes things less stressful for me.”
Whether it’s assisting with these trainings or helping Nicholas communicate with his boss, Jake’s support is just a text message away and ensures that work remains a positive experience. “If I’m worried about things at work, it makes me not want to go and I’ll be anxious all day,” he said.
For Nicholas, job coaching services provide stability and confidence. He wants lawmakers to understand the real impact of the funding that provides it. “I’m a real guy,” he said. “My mom said sometimes it takes seeing a face and a story to remember that.”
Ultimately, the job coaching support he receives with his funding has been instrumental in keeping him employed. “Without my funding, I don’t know if I would be able to stay at my job as long as I have,” he said.