Monday, June 16, 2014

Employment Matters: Changing Careers Leads to Success

By Employment Job Coach Constance Taylor

It is a fact that there are families experiencing homelessness for the first time that never expected in a million years to be in this situation. But, not everyone has a support system and when faced with adversity life can be a challenge.

This was the case with one of our recent participants when she became ill and had multiple strokes about a year ago. The mini-strokes left her partially paralyzed in one of her hands.

She owned her own business and was quite prosperous in the hair care  industry. After knowledge of her illness and her inability to use both hands, her clientele started looking for new hairstylists. Before she knew it, she didn’t have money to care for her family. 

Unfortunately, after a chain of events, they became homeless. This is not uncommon among people who suddenly become ill and don’t have anyone to turn to. Once a person is deemed disabled it can sometimes take months or even years to receive disability income.

Since being at Community LINC, she decided to change her career path to caring for disabled persons. She started applying for jobs in the field of home health care.  She found employment with a local agency in a community of three single men. They are actually partially independent, but unable to stay alone due to health issues. There are currently two other caretakers in their home, which is located in a nice quiet neighborhood. She has recently acquired a Class E driver’s license and will assist with transporting the clients to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments, and outside social activities. 

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