A Dallas nonprofit trade school is expanding its program to offer free enrollment to military spouses.
From Ordinary to Extraordinary is a Dallas-based nonprofit organization for women and girls who have faced domestic violence through which they can learn skills that can lead to financial independence and help them break free of the abusive situation they are living in.
Students can train to become cosmetologists, barbers, medical assistants, dental assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacy techs, and more.
Now, the nonprofit is allowing military spouses who struggle to find work to access its programs.
“Being the spouse of a military veteran, at times, I’ve had to uproot myself and my family. Often,” senior cosmetology instructor Deanna Cambric told NBC 5 DFW. “It gives me joy to give back what I’ve learned here and be able to pour into the other students what I’ve learned.”
Additionally, From Ordinary to Extraordinary provides 6-12 months of long-term housing to pregnant women who have suffered abuse. The program teaches them financial literacy skills and how to maintain a healthy life balance and heal from the trauma they have endured.
“I believe that we are all extraordinary people just living in an ordinary world,” said founder and CEO Dr. Antoria Gillon, per NBC 5. “It’s not just learning the skill; it’s about being able to maintain that no matter where you are.”
All enrollment is free, and the nonprofit helps women find employment or register their own businesses if they wish to become entrepreneurs.
“I know in the military I can be gone the next day,” phlebotomy student Mireina McIntyre told NBC 5. “But I will always have this with me. I could literally leave tomorrow, but I will always have what I learned here.”
For more information on how to sign up for classes, donate, or volunteer, visit From Ordinary to Extraordinary’s website.