Breaking Barriers: A Path to an Amazing Career
Shiawassee Co. – Holly came into the PATH program as a referral from MDHHS on 11/14/2022 and was assigned to a career coach. She sought help getting on a new career path to provide for her and her family. Barrier removal assistance was needed for job search instruction and techniques, improving employability skills, overcoming a lack of experience in her chosen field, proper work attire, mileage, self-esteem, and self-awareness.
Through PATH and WIOA services, her career coach discussed the available workshops and how they would improve her confidence, soft skills, and self-esteem. Holly attended these workshops and others available to her. Supportive services were offered to assist with removing her transportation barrier, allowing her to submit weekly mileage, complete PATH requirements, and maintain her employment after she started her new job. She was also assisted with appropriate work attire for her new job and vehicle repairs to help her get to and from work.
Holly informed her Career Coach that the Kingdom Business Virtual Works “Breaking Barriers” Workshop was exceptional. She displayed her certificate of completion on her vision board, which is now displayed in her office at work. She also completed the PATH Community Service Program (CSP) requirements at the GST MI Works! office. This allowed her to gain office experience while helping her to stay in compliance with PATH. During her weeks of CSP, Holly also completed weekly job searches so she could find permanent employment to provide for her family. She consistently focused on working hard to improve her ability to obtain and maintain jobs successfully. Her goal was accomplished through all of this, applying everything she learned from her experience while with GST Michigan Works!
After Holly received an offer letter from Rite at Home, In-Home Care & Assistance, the Career Coach continued to discuss employment-related learning opportunities within her current company. Holly began her role as a full-time Administrative Assistant/Recruiter on 01/05/23. Her employment started primarily as an Administrative Assistant. Still eager to learn more, she was also trained as a recruiter as the days and weeks passed. She completed her PATH Retention period and has achieved a self-sustainable income, no longer relying on DHHS support. Holly loves her employment and enjoys working with Rite at Home. On 09/20/23, she informed her Career Coach that she received a dollar-per-hour raise! She qualifies for an additional $300 when on call for the weekends.
“GST Michigan Works! treated me like a person. They supported my career goals & offered fabulous classes & resources to help me reach them.” Hard work, determination, and having a support team make all the difference.