Rose Blooms Again: A Journey of Perseverance & Success

 

After nearly ten years as an Adult Services Supervisor, Rose made the difficult decision to step away from her career in June 2025 to care for her ill mother. When her mother passed away, Rose found herself grieving while also preparing to re-enter the workforce after a brief but impactful three-month absence. Even a short time away brought challenges. Emotionally, she was navigating loss, and practically, she needed to regain momentum in her job search.

Still, one thing never changed: Rose had a goal. Since the age of 18, she had been applying to Hurley Medical Center, hoping for an opportunity to join their team, but she never received a call back. Now, 48 years later, she remained determined to finally achieve that long-standing goal.

In October 2025, just one month after her loss, Rose reached out to her GST Michigan Works! Career Coach Angel, ready to move forward. Together, they refreshed her resume and began applying to positions at Hurley Medical Center and other local employers. By December, Rose secured a position as a Caregiver with a home health agency in Clarkston; an important step that allowed her to re-enter the workforce while continuing to pursue her long-term goal. The Career Coach enrolled Rose in the WIOA program to support her transition, and WIOA funding was used to provide mileage reimbursement, helping offset the cost of her long commute.

During ongoing check-ins, Rose shared that her personal vehicle was unsafe to drive due to worn tires, requiring her to rely on her father’s car. Recognizing this as a critical barrier, her Career Coach connected her with the Talent & Growth Barrier Removal Initiative program, which funded new tires and necessary repairs. This support ensured Rose had reliable transportation to maintain employment and continue attending interviews.

Although she had regained employment, Rose remained focused on her ultimate goal. She continued applying to Hurley Medical Center with persistence. Then, on February 19, she called her Career Coach with exciting news; she had received a job offer as a Psychiatric Technician at Hurley.

Before she could begin, a few final barriers needed to be addressed. Hurley required proof of education and specific onboarding items, including a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, which required upfront costs. Through WIOA support, funding was provided to obtain her educational documentation, cover the cost of BLS training, and purchase required scrubs, ensuring she could start her new role without delay.

Today, Rose is working as a Psychiatric Technician at Hurley Medical Center, the very place she had been pursuing since she was 18 years old. After 48 years of persistence, what once felt out of reach has finally become a reality. “What began as a time of loss and uncertainty became a journey of resilience and determination,” Rose shares.