DI—A Tender Mercy

“I wanted to work and learn a new skill in order to regain my independence and confidence.”

Deseret Industries is not here to give a handout, rather it is here to reach out to those who want to better themselves. It is the Lord’s way of helping those who are willing to help themselves.

When I came to the Deseret Industries program, health problems left me with severely reduced hearing in one ear and completely deaf in the other. I learned to communicate using sign language and lip reading in order to not miss out on life. My physical and emotional struggle, however, resulted in the loss of my career. I had been a commercial truck driver and later had managed a fleet of trucks for a large company. I had found a new position with a large chain store, but I lost this job as well when my health problems again interfered.

My bishop took me to meet the staff at Deseret Industries. As we talked, I came to realize that this was where I needed to be. I wanted to work and learn a new skill in order to regain my independence and confidence. I already had an idea for a new career in mind, one in medical administration. Within a couple of weeks, I was working at Deseret Industries and the light in my eyes began to shine again.

The staff members at Deseret Industries were willing to help me get back my ability to support myself. They encouraged me while I went through surgery on my ear in hopes that more hearing might be restored. Some was, enough to enable me to wear hearing aids. Then they helped me reach my goal for a new career by enrolling me in technical training. I requested an online program, which worked exceptionally well for me, and has since been very beneficial for others as well.

Deseret Industries next paid my salary while I participated in a business partnership. Although this did not lead to a job with that company, it gave me two months of meaningful work experience. I was then enrolled in the DI Accelerated Job Search Program, and within a few weeks I accepted a position working as an eligibility verification specialist for a large medical clinic. It is a great job where I have had the opportunity to learn additional skills that complement the training and certification DI helped me to attain.

I will never forget the encouraging words of my job coach, “Every day when you wake up, the first thing you need to do is thank your Heavenly Father for what you have. Find at least one tender mercy and with this tender mercy comes a blessing from heaven.” One of those tender mercies has been the willingness of the people at Deseret Industries to help me get back to supporting myself and my family.  

“Deseret Industries next paid my salary while I participated in a business partnership. Although this did not lead to a job with that company, it gave me two months of meaningful work experience.”

For more amazing stories like Scott’s, visit the DI’s Facebook page by clicking here.