It's not how you start... it's where you finish
2016 - Carrie Penna
2016 Arthur O. Eve Education and Community Service Award Recipient
UBEOC Class of 2000
Ms. Carrie Penna grew up in what she describes as an estranged household. At age 16, she found herself living on her own. At an early age, she married a businessman, had children, and lived a lavish lifestyle. “I had it all, big suburban home, in ground pool, the works,” she says. Only Carrie soon realized that she didn’t. Due to circumstances totally outside of her purview, all was lost. “I lost the house. I lost everything. I had no family support on either side. I had an infant and a toddler and I was basically once again, living on my own.”
“The Buffalo EOC helped me find purpose.”
Carrie reflects that giving birth on New Year’s Day and divorcing six months later was a turning point. So was the day she sought out assistance from Catholic Charities. It was there that she saw the flyer for the UBEOC Dental Assistant program. Carrie states, “Having two young children and then qualifying for public services, I decided then and there to enroll.”
Carrie was an “A” student and earned a top clinical internship slot. She was hired one week after graduation at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Associates of Western New York where she has worked as a licensed Dental and Anesthesia Assistant for 16 years.
Happily re-married and now having three children, Carrie shows her gratitude for the education and support services she received by volunteering at the Catholic Charities women’s shelter, Cookies for Cancer, and One Warm Coat, where her combined service adds up to 14 years.
When asked what she would like to share with those experiencing traumatic times, Carrie says, “Bad things that happen can lead to a stepping stone to a better life. Seek it out. Find your purpose. I did at UBEOC.”
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