Mother of Three Finds Work That Fits Life With Children

SECOND SHIFT · FROM THE FIELD

Grand Rapids, Michigan · Cleaning services · Workforce training

From the reporting archive · Original report: April 23, 2026

Candace Adamson, a mother of three in Grand Rapids, had already found a job when she celebrated completing a new workforce training program. In FOX 17’s April report, she described an employer whose approach made room for the appointments and school events that come with raising children.

Adamson was among the first five graduates of Hope Workforce Institute, a program developed by Hope for Single Moms. The 12-week course combines job readiness, life skills and a residential cleaning certification. For Adamson, the outcome was more than a certificate: she described relief from some of the financial pressure of single motherhood.

She also hoped to advance into management within months. That was an ambition at the time of the report, not a promotion the station had confirmed.

Her story puts a practical question at the center of workforce training: can someone keep the job once everyday family responsibilities return? Adamson’s account points to an employer relationship that helped make work and parenting fit together.

Workable schedules help people stay employed. Employer flexibility deserves attention alongside credentials when evaluating training.

Read the original reporting and watch the report →

Second Shift tells the stories of people building what’s next through new skills, new careers and second chances. From the Field items are curated from credited reporting, with Location Decision’s perspective. Location Decision Originals are independently reported by our team.

Curated by Location Decision. Originally reported by Janice Allen, FOX 17, April 23, 2026.