REBECCA T.
As she moves through the ladies sportswear department confidently, answering customers’ questions and ringing up their purchases, Rebecca T. exudes self confidence and satisfaction with her work. But this was not always the case. In 2003, diagnosed with mental illness and unable to feel “comfortable in her own skin,” Rebecca was slowly falling prey to isolation and helplessness.One day, Rebecca received a home visit from one of Momentum’s empathetic, resourceful representatives, offering a path to greater independence and hope for a more fulfilling life. Thus, her journey to recovery began.
The first steps toward recovery
Being admitted to Momentum’s board and care facility was Rebecca’s first step toward recovery. While in the program she made fast friends with another client; a year later the two women were able to secure their own apartment, gaining greater independence and a sense of excitement for the future.
At that point, “I was feeling better and I went to Momentum’s vocational group,” Rebecca says. “I worked with a great Job Developer, who found a lot of opportunities for me,” Her initial jobs included cleaning fitting rooms at night at a department store, which she disliked for its lack of interpersonal contact, “When I realized I was feeling overwhelmed and isolated at the department store, I asked my Job Developer to help me find a job that focused on working with people,” she says.
Fulfilling, full-time work
Momentum helped Rebecca find employment at a local amusement park, working in seasonal food service. It was there Rebecca realized just how much she enjoyed interacting with people — and, having found a better sense of balance in life, she felt she was prepared for the challenge of permanent, full-time work.
Again, the team at Momentum was there to lend their support and help her achieve success. Liaising between Rebecca and the roster of employers Momentum works with, the Job Developer identified a sales position in ladies sportswear at a national discount retailer.
Working through on-the-job challenges
Rebecca was offered the job position and she began happily working — but as with any job, there were some challenges. “Early on in the job, I needed some job coaching,” Rebecca recalls. “I called my Job Developer and asked him, ‘What do I do if my manager says one thing but another manager tells me to do something else?’ Momentum’s Job Developer shared possible scenarios and approaches Rebecca could use to resolve her problem at work.
Today, Rebecca continues to enjoy going to work and has saved her earnings to buy a used car. Still sharing an apartment with the same roommate she met at Momentum, she looks to the future with excitement. Rebecca is also reassured knowing that Momentum’s staff is a key resource she can rely on for support.
