For Janae, the beginning of her experience at Deseret Industries came with its own set of challenges. But with the support of her supervisors, she was able to excel beyond her expectations. 

“Honestly, I was terrified,” Janae shares. “My first day working [at Deseret Industries], I was sweating so heavily and out of breath too quickly. I wanted to give up but [felt] that I needed to just keep going and that things would work out.” 

Janae’s journey to becoming a DI associate began a few years earlier, when she and her husband relocated to another state after he accepted a new job. Soon after arriving, Janae was hired at a local pharmacy but began experiencing debilitating anxiety and depression. The challenge ultimately led her to leave the position. 

In response, Janae bravely sought help from her bishop and started seeing a counselor. After gaining confidence from the tools she learned in therapy, she felt ready to re-enter the workforce but didn’t know where to start. Her bishop suggested Deseret Industries. 

“He sent a referral to the [store], and I was blessed to begin working there shortly thereafter,” Janae recalls. 

Despite being one of many associates enrolled in the DI job training program at the location where she worked, Janae felt cared for personally. 

“I was incredibly blessed to have empathetic supervisors who helped me through this journey,” Janae says. “They never got angry at me for my lack of abilities, and they supported me through my many panic attacks and self-doubt.” 

Through the DI job training program, associates gain marketable skills, such as processing, customer service, and merchandising. They also develop important workplace behaviors like dependability, productivity, and teamwork, preparing them for future employment opportunities. 

“With the encouragement and support of my supervisors, I became stronger,” Janae shares. “My confidence began to grow, and after a lot of work, I became whole again.” 

Notably, working at Deseret Industries also inspired Janae to pursue a job in the field of special education. 

“I observed many volunteers coming in with their paraeducators supporting and encouraging them,” Janae says. “What a cool job that I had previously had no idea existed! I discovered that it was exactly what I wanted to do in my future career.” 

With mentorship and support with resume building and interview preparation, Janae was able to take the next step in her life. She obtained a job working as a substitute teacher in special education and is now a full-time paraeducator for a first and second grade life skills class. 

“I absolutely love my job,” Janae says. “I feel like—for the first time in my adult life—I am working in a field where I can excel. I cannot thank Deseret Industries enough.” 

If you are struggling with employment, consider enrolling in our job training program. Contact your nearest Deseret Industries location to learn more and apply.