Cuffe Accepts National Success Story Award In Washington D.C.

By Natalie Bruzon
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After years of hard work and dedication, Angela Cuffe travelled across the country to tell her story as the recipient of the National Success Story Award. 

Cuffe stood before the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) national conference in Washington D.C. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and shared he story, starting 20 years ago, when she was a young pregnant high school graduate in her first year of marriage. 

Although Cuffe felt nervous standing in front of a room full of people, once she started talking about her journey, her nerves disappeared.

“I have speaking experience,” said Cuffe, “but I was kind of nervous speaking in front of that large of a group. Once I started talking and telling my story, everything kind of flowed pretty naturally.”

The story that flowed was about Cuffe’s struggle, and, eventually, her success. Following a difficult divorce in 2004, Cuffe dedicated her life to her children and her future, eventually receiving her practical nursing degree from Central Community College in Columbus. Today, she is the LPN administrator at Prairie View Assisted Living in Tilden.

Cuffe focused on how the Project HELP scholarship helped her finish school, and how she hoped her experience helps people struggling to finish their career. 

“I think it’s great for anybody who can enroll and apply and go forward with their career,” said Cuffe. “A lot of individuals put their career goals on hold because of the fact that there is no financial assistance out there, but with this particular program, there are.”

For Cuffe, the scholarship helped her by providing gas cards. With a family to support, gas cards helped her focus limited finances on their needs. 

“One of the questions that was asked upon me during the Q&A sessions was how I would approach younger single moms who are in the same boat as I was, as far as getting into healthcare,” said Cuffe. “I just talk about the program and how project HELP has helped me along the way, especially with gas cards because driving back and forth, rather than spending money on gas, they could utilize those gas cards and then use the money they would normally put in their gas tank for diapers or daycare or anything like that. I had actually spoke about one of my soon-to-be medication aids that worked here, and I talked to her about getting some assistance as well through that program.”

Cuffe is already using her story to inspire other people, and her goal is to continue to do so. 

“I would just like to continue to share my story,” Cuffe said. “And if individuals have any questions or comments to get a hold of me if they’re facing fears or anything like that. Like I said, when I was telling my story, I told them that I’m living proof that you can start and be clear down at rock bottom and work your way up.”

For Cuffe, it’s important to recognize that success isn’t a one-man job. Not only did her kids’ understanding and support help her get this far, but her family and community also contributed to her success. 

“Thank God for grandparents,” said Cuffe. “My parents helped out a lot as far as watching the kids while I was in classes. I’d also like to thank the Board of Directors at Prairie View Assisted Living for the amazing support and also the great staff at Prairie View Assisted Living for their continued teamwork while I was in Washington, D.C.”