When GateWay Community College student Miriam Mielus met Kimberly Williams, a registered nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, neither woman knew of the friendship that would be forged or the impact they would eventually make throughout the community.

In 2007, Mielus, originally from Canada, and her teenage son were homeless after enduring a difficult and painful divorce. For nearly a year, while her son went to school during the day, Mielus struggled to find that evening’s shelter - often having to rely on the generous support of a local church. It was not until 2008 that she was placed in the UMOM New Day Family Shelter in Phoenix, a private, non-profit homeless shelter that provides temporary and transitional refuge for struggling individuals and families.

She was subsequently introduced to Williams, who had recently become the Wellness Center Coordinator at UMOM as a result of her work with Phoenix Children’s Hospital. From that moment forward, Mielus and William’s lives would never be the same.

"I was so incredibly inspired by Nurse Kim; she had so much love and care in her heart," Mielus said. "So we talked about how I could use the shelter experience to my advantage, and she suggested going back to school. Within three weeks, I was enrolled at GateWay Community College."

Mielus began working toward her associate’s degree in nursing en route to a bachelor of science in nursing degree from Northern Arizona University, both of which she expects to complete in December 2013.  

She joined the honors program at GateWay and also became a member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society. Well on her way out of homelessness and despair, Mielus’s relationship with Williams could have ended. However, Williams saw something special in her that had the potential to inspire others in similar situations.

"I have met some amazing people and Miriam is one of them," she said. "So I thought who better to work alongside in an effort to better the difficult circumstances of others."

One by one, Williams would send young women to Mielus so they could hear her incredible story and learn how they could further their education to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty. With the added support of GateWay Advisor Ruth Major who would mentor the women after they enrolled at the college, Williams and Mielus decided to establish a more permanent arrangement.

Thus, from humble beginnings at GateWay and UMOM, the Health Care Career Club was born. Beginning with only eight members, including Mielus as president, the club’s primary mission is to assist individuals who face challenges pursue a career in the health professions.

"From day one, the Health Care Career Club represented a bridge from poverty to education," Mielus said. "We are a support system that provides mentorship and self-esteem to give people the chance to achieve a better life."

That support system has contributed to the tremendous growth of the club over the last two years. There are currently 23 members, all of whom came from a background of homelessness yet are now enrolled in one of GateWay’s healthcare or nursing programs. In addition, the club has taken on a supporting role in other community service projects.

For instance, members participated in the 2009 Walk to Cure Diabetes and the 2010 Walk for Homeless Families, and they also helped provide Christmas stockings and other hygiene items to troops in Afghanistan in 2009. Yet the main focus of the club will always be to supply the kind of guidance and encouragement that Mielus received from Williams and offer a fresh start to those individuals most in need of one.

"The club allows me to share my passion for nursing, and it is an honor to mentor others to follow their passions," Williams said. "I could not be more proud of each member who has chosen to pursue their dreams."

Mielus agreed and believes that GateWay can continue to be the starting point for those dreams. "This school is so open and diverse and has been incredibly welcoming to people who need encouragement," she said. "I have watched young women like myself blossom with the support of our club and GateWay Community College."

For more information, visit UMOM online or www.healthcarecareerclub.com.