Victoria Finds So Much More Than a Job Program
“Before Cara, I was living in a domestic violence shelter with my two daughters and going through a drug court program. When you’re battling addiction, homelessness, domestic violence, and instability, you forget what you’re truly capable of.
“I had been in the service industry my whole life, but I wanted a job that gave me more stability; something that had benefits and normal hours, so I wasn’t working until 4 am every night.
“Back then, I had never heard of transferable skills. I didn’t know that all the skills I had picked up in my years at restaurants were skills that would align me well with a different job in a different field. And yet, multi-tasking, customer service, flexibility, and stress management have carried me well into my new position.
“By the time I came to Cara, I hadn’t been on a real job interview in almost fifteen years. I had struggled for so long that I forgot how to express my professional skills. I came to Cara for help with not only job training, but also housing, communicating, and reentering the workforce.
“I quickly realized Cara was not just a job training program, but something that helped me look deep inside myself to transform my whole life.
“I learned I didn’t have to carry everything that I went through with me every single day. I didn’t have to live by the standards of going to jail and having a background, or being in abusive relationships, or being homeless. I could accept those things and hold them, while also allowing myself to grow. I learned I could give myself and my children a better future just by learning to love myself again.
“Cara taught me I’m worthy of all the best things that life has to offer me, and I can do anything I want as long as I’m willing to work for it.
“I had no idea that all my skills as a server, bartender, and manager of restaurants could transcend into an administrative level position. Cara helped me understand that all those past jobs were setting me up for my future career.
“Today, I work as Cara Collective’s External Affairs Administrative Specialist. I would describe it as being the glue that helps the department run more smoothly, managing multiple calendars and projects, and having my hands in everything. I consider myself a superhero multi-tasker. What I love the most is that every day is different.
“When I heard the words ‘you’re hired,’ I was so overwhelmed. I almost didn’t believe it. This was the first time I had an interview in almost ten years. I felt proud of myself, accomplished, hopeful, and excited.
“I would have never guessed six months ago that I would have what I have now. And it’s because I was able to work with people who showed me I can take my skills, better them, and bring them to a new job. That has been really exciting for me.
“Now, I have a job where I can grow and develop into the person that I want to be – who I want my daughters to watch me grow into – and gain new skills as I move forward.
“Today I have big dreams, but they don’t just feel like dreams anymore. They feel like the next steps in my life.
“Thanks to Cara, I have stable living. I have an apartment with my little girls and I have savings. I get to be a very present and happy mom because I don’t have to worry. I’m proud of myself every day. This is everything I ever could have dreamed of. My whole life has changed.”
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