A client who wished to share her story and positive experience with NRWIB reflects on all she's been able to accomplish with the Ticket to Work program.
A client left a positive review of her experiences with the Northwest Regional Workforce Board staff as she navigated her circumstances through the Ticket to Work program. You can read on below:
I contacted the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board after I received Ticket to Work notices from the Federal Government. I wanted to get back on my feet and get a job after 3 years on disability resulting from lupus and kidney transplant complications that left me unable to work. The pandemic was raging, my immune system was compromised and I had health issues because of my disability. Since my job was eliminated during the years on disability, I was starting over. The thought of trying to get a new job under those circumstances was completely overwhelming. I placed my Ticket to Work with the NRWIB who helped me one step at a time and were there for me each step of the way. Today, I am proud to say I am a productive, full-time member of the Workforce.
I was first put in touch with the Ticket to Work program coordinator, Rukiya Borgess, who came to my home during the pandemic so she could interview me and complete my paperwork. She assisted me with the processes and procedures of the Ticket to Work program. When I had questions about the program, my Program Coordinator is there to explain and help guide me with the sometimes complicated process.
Next, I met with a Career Navigator, Penelope McCoy, who provided all the necessary resources and tools I needed to prepare for employment and become successful in the workforce. She was in contact with me on a regular basis to provide valuable resources such as: career education, tips of resume writing and interviewing, helpful job related websites and articles, job openings, job fairs and a contact who provided phone sessions with me during the pandemic to review my resume drafts. Just as important, my Career Navigator believed in me and gave me encouragement and celebrated each victory with me. She became one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters on my path to working again.
When I brought up the idea of taking a 5 month Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate Program at Naugatuck Valley Community College, my team of Ms. McCoy, Ms. Borgess and Mr. Amis, at NRWIB couldn't be more supportive. I feel like this was the turning point for me. As I began to see what I was achieving in school, my confidence grew with every passing test.
I started to apply for jobs armed with a new resume, my certificate from NVCC was almost complete, new knowledge and new confidence. That was about 15 months ago. I landed a full time job while still working on earning my certificate. Since then, I received a promotion at my new job, paid training from my employer and am learning a whole new career with earnings and benefits comparable to the job I had before becoming disabled. This wouldn't have been possible without my team at the NRWIB. They empowered me and made an incredible difference in my life. They have helped me gain financial independence, confidence and self-esteem that a life-threatening illness or disability can sometimes rob from you. I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to the NRWIB Ticket to Work team. They have been amazing!