Debra Finds Confidence and a New Beginning

To honor 30 years of Cara’s work to eradicate poverty, we are sharing stories of the participants, partners, and people who made our past, present, and future possible.

“I had been working in home care, providing personal care to seniors. I went above and beyond in my job but I had been doing it for years and I wasn’t happy anymore. I didn’t feel like I was growing or my life was going anywhere.

“I knew I wanted something different for myself in the healthcare field but I didn’t know what or how to get it. I thought, being 55 years old, that I was too old to make a career change. I kept telling myself I was too old and nobody would want to hire me.

“My fiancé told me about Cara – he was a graduate and worked on a Cleanslate crew. He raved about his time there and he told me I should call them. So, I did and joined Cara Connects in January last year.

“I got the boost of energy and encouragement I needed.”

“Right away, everyone at Cara was so sweet to me and I could feel the positivity in everybody. Cara lifted me up and helped me believe in myself. I got the boost of energy and encouragement I needed.

“Through Cara Connects, I was placed at University of Chicago Medicine as a Patient Transport Specialist. I transport patients back and forth to their rooms to procedures to exams to discharging them. I talk to them and make them feel comfortable. I think just talking to them makes their day and lifts them up.

“I’ve been on the job since November, but I’ve impressed my bosses so much they already have me training other team members.

“Today, I love my job. I’m walking on clouds when I’m at work and I see a future for myself. I’m living my best life.”

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