I was very discouraged following my release from prison. Without success, I had searched for eighteen months for a job. I then made the decision to return to church. In counseling with my bishop, he referred me to Deseret Industries. I was hired within a month.
I began my work at DI sorting clothes. It felt good to be back at work again, yet I struggled with attendance. With encouragement from my job coach and my mentor, I moved forward. I was soon promoted to cashiering, then promoted to be lead cashier. I also began going to school to learn computer skills. I would attend school each day and run the cashiers each night.
During my time at DI, my mother passed away. This was a so hard for me, but due to the support of my team, I made it through this trial. Work became my refuge.
Near the end of the program, I began the Accelerated Job Search program. I learned so much about looking for work. Over the course of a few weeks I was able to obtain a full-time job with benefits using my new computer skills. I now have the potential for advancement and healthcare.
Thanks to my team at DI, my future is bright and I have more stepping stones to come.
“I was able to obtain a full-time job with benefits using my new computer skills.”
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