Alisha’s Story
IN EARLY 2010, Alisha was tired of job searching and going on interviews that never resulted in a job and despaired of ever getting “somewhere in life.” She longed to be able to tell her kids when she dropped them off at school that “mommy has to go to work.” Coming to the realization that she really wanted to get a job was the first step for Alisha.
Thinking about reasons she may not have been successful in applying for previous jobs, Alisha recognized that she didn’t possess the appropriate skills for some jobs. That night she sat down and wrote a list of goals. The first was that she wanted to find a job that would make her happy; where she could use the skills she already possessed. She loved working with and getting to know new people, so she thought a receptionist, office position or something in customer service might be a good fit.
Referred to HRU’s Workforce Alternatives program by the Department of Transitional Assistance, Alisha began taking a clerical class. At first, it was difficult to take this new opportunity seriously: she was ashamed that she didn’t have the same skill level as others in the group. But the Workforce Alternatives staff, especially Olga, wouldn’t let her give up. Alisha found out about an open position at an insurance company and she was really interested but the minimum typing requirement was 25 words per minute. She thought it impossible for her to get her typing speed to that level because she was currently typing only 11 wpm. She wanted that position badly, so with her own positive attitude, Olga’s encouragement, and many hours of typing practice, Alisha applied for the position. She typed 26 WPM and got the job!
Even though Alisha is now working and bringing home a truly livable wage, she still receives support and encouragement from Workforce Alternatives staff. Alisha said that the Workforce Alternatives program “helped her realize that she could accomplish a lot.” Now that she has a job and has seen how happy it’s made her and her family, she has set her next goal: to go to college and become a pharmacist!
TRAVIS HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE PYRAMID PROGRAM since graduating high school in 2009. Pyramid project has provided Travis with a vast array of social activities that have allowed him to be a part of his community. Travis enjoys going to the mall, local parks, pet therapy, participating in Pyramid’s “Coffee Club” and helping HRU become a “green” organization by beginning a recycling initiative at the program which has been quite successful. Travis also enjoys music therapy where he has the opportunity to sing and play different instruments. Travis stated “Pyramid is my favorite place to be, I like helping people out at Pyramid.” Travis’ schedule includes providing program tours to visitors and greeting our guests. If you are interested in seeing Pyra- mid, make sure to ask for Travis who will be happy to be your tour guide.
AMY HAS BEEN AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE PYRAMID PROGRAM since February 2004. Over the past several years, Amy has demonstrated many positive changes in her life. Amy’s determination and constant drive to be independent has made her a role model for her Pyramid peers. Through recreational activities offered at the program, such as air hockey, basketball, soccer, and games on the Wii, Amy increases her mobility, range of motion and independence skills. Amy actively assists staff with essential programmatic responsibilities such as distributing daily schedules and delivering inter-office mail. Amy loves to socialize and has learned to express herself effectively through written words. She enjoys frequenting various places throughout the community, including malls, movies, the Big E, and Sturbridge Village. During her personal time, Amy gives back to the community by volunteering and was recently involved in a fund raiser which benefited the Haiti relief fund.
IN THE LATE 1970’S, Virginia was working at MassMutual Financial Group when she first experienced symptoms of mental illness and was subsequently hospitalized. Unable to return to work, she struggled for the next 8 years. In 1986, Virginia was introduced to a Springfield program called Lighthouse. She understood that in this “clubhouse” she would find support to help her get back to work, develop friendships and get assistance with her mental health and substance abuse issues.
My young son and I left South Carolina five years ago and traveled to Massachusetts to search for a better life. My grandmother had offered to help us, so we lived with her and I worked some part-time jobs while I studied for and attained my GED, then got a good job. I was at the company for three years and doing well until a year ago when the company went under and I was out of work – I was devastated and jobs were scarce.
My story with HRU began in 2010 when I was a stay at home mom. I made some poor choices and quit school in 10th grade. A few years later, I recognized that I needed to get a GED to get back on track to getting a good job. I was working with the Department of Transitional Assistance and was referred to HRU’s Workforce Alternatives program. My experience with HRU was wonderful. I received a great deal of support from the staff, especially Pattie Attanasio, while studying and preparing for the GED exam.
