Naomi Burks MFT Education Fund

I am a current graduate student, at Holy Names University in Oakland, California pursing my advanced degree as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). The financial aid representative informed me that I am not eligible to receive the final loans or grants I need to complete my last semester of school and graduate, I am devastated!!

I have exhausted all other resources and this Go Fund Me campaign is my last hope.

I am a single parent, raising two GREAT daughters in Oakland, Ca.  As a long time resident of Oakland I was motivated to assist the underserved population of adolescents in the Bay Area. Recognizing a higher education was critical for my success I enrolled in school full time to accomplish my childhood dream of becoming a Marriage Family Therapist. Currently, I work with autistic children and children with behavioral issues as a school based Intervention Therapist assisting them with academic achievement and social skills development. I also work an unpaid internship at an outpatient substance abuse treatment center as a Marriage Family Therapist Trainee.  I have been provided positive feedback from my client’s and supervisor that I'm a blessing to them and their families, and have made a wise choice to enter the field of Marriage and Family Therapy.

 My earnings from my day job, do not allow much room to pay for my education, while taking care of my children, and their needs. Holy Names is a private institution, the cost is $1000 per unit and I have 6 units to complete, that’s a cost of $6000 to graduate. I have come so far, in this 3-year program and I do not want to drop out in my last semester.

I’ve applied for every possible educational loan available to graduate students, as well as grants and scholarships. This is my last hope; your donation will allow me to pay for my final classes and graduate showing my daughters that they can succeed at anything if they put their minds to it no matter what obstacles stand in their way.

.I am grateful for any amount; no donation will be too small or large. To show my gratitude for your unselfish giving I will freely give of my time, skills and abilities to children in other underserved communities.  Your support will not go unnoticed!

Please consider helping me with a small donation and share my story with your family, friends, co-workers and place of worship.

Truly Grateful,

Naomi Burks, MFT Trainee