A Bridgeport mom whose son and mother are disabled made a major life change to ensure her family gets the best care possible.

Joulane Cyril, 56, is a single mom and a full-time caregiver to her 19-year-old son Emmanuel, who is a quadriplegic, and to her 82-year-old mother, who has Alzheimer's.

Cyril says she needs to work and make money to support her family, but due to a statewide shortage of certified nursing assistants, it has been impossible for her to find good caregivers to assist her son and mother so she can go and make a living.

A few months ago, her friend Patty Newton came up with an idea that provided Cyril a bit of hope. Newton is the owner of Danae's Training Center, and thanks to help from her, Cyril was among the latest class of CNA students to graduate from the program Wednesday.

The program will start the process of her getting paid for taking care of her family - once she passes the CNA exam.

"And for the mom to be able to take the training to get the job to take care of her son, that's so special to me," said Newton.

"I'm so glad, today is my lucky day," said Cyril.

She says once she passes her upcoming state exam, she will be able to make a living caring for the two people who need her most in the world.

"Now I am so glad, I am so happy. I say, thank you, America," said Cyril. "This is my dream come true."