Thompson was familiar with AFDC, her family having received benefits when she was a child. So when her college career was interrupted by the birth of a son, she sought assistance from DSS. Scouting the resources in her community and looking toward independence, Thompson enrolled in a medical assistant program offered through a local vocational school. She successfully completed that program, but was unable to find employment through the limited job placement assistance offered through the school. She then sought help form the MOST Program.

Thompson identified the Red Cross Nursing Assistant Program as her preferred assignment. Thompson's MOST case was opened in October 1993, just one month before the start of the Red Cross training. Chances were slim for her to complete preliminary interviews and assessments and be referred to the City of Detroit for the MOST-funded program.

Undaunted, and with the help of MOST supportive services like transportation, child care and uniform purchase, she indeed started training in November of 1993. She completed the training with good grades and perfect attendance, eventually landing a job at a Roseville nursing home.