RCEDA 8.5x11 Report d3

Workforce Development and DPSS - Job Seeker Success Story My Life is Defined by the Journey

I am in pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology through Cal Baptist University. Last semester, I had the pleasure of enrolling into a philosophy class and I loved it. This subject has made me further understand the nature of truth and knowledge. I took an interest in a famous philosopher named Soren Kierkegaard and studied his methodical views. The following quote from him has resonated with me: “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards” by Soren Kierkegaard. As a young adult, I often searched for jobs. I remember that at that time I did not knowwhat I wanted to be or do with my life. I remember coming home with a job application fromMcDonald’s and not knowing how to fill it out. As I read the application questions and I would ask myself. “How can I fill in job histories on an application when I have never worked before?”, “How do I get a good job like everyone else?”, “What do I wear to an interview?” I often askedmy parents for help but they didn’t know how to respond and so I struggled. I felt very lost without someone tell me what my next steps should be or how to proceed with finding work.. However, I knew deep inside that I wanted a better life for myself. However, I managed to embrace the conflicts and challenges and sought out opportunities by talking with people and learning how a person finds employment. Later, I became a single mother with two children. In order to provide a higher quality life I moved to Riverside County and ended up in Hemet. Hemet was appealing to me as I love the open lands and farm like community. One of my goals is to have a farm and raise farm animals like chickens, pigs, and cows. After moving to Hemet, I was without employment. Thanks tomy strong customer service experience, I was quickly introduced to the Work Experience (WEX) program through DPSS. I had the opportunity to volunteer at Adult Protective Services for a period of 2 months. I did so well there that my GAIN employment counselor sent my résumé to the County for a Development Specialist position. To my surprise, I was hired as a (TAP) Development Specialist I, through the Subsidized Employment Program at DPSS for the County of Riverside. The programhelpedme gainmore valuable work experience within the county and aligns with my passion to help people find employment. As I continued to show my skills, I was offered a similar position with EDA Workforce Development under TAP. I developed a strong sense to share my experience and help people find suitable employment. I became adept to helping people find work, helping with their résumés, and counseling them on how to reach financial stability through vocational training or on On-the-Job (OJT) opportunities. I have grown in many ways and I want to share my new employment knowledge and help people find suitable employment. I feel somuch joy when a participant calls to tell me they were hired by an employer because of the employment assistance I provided to them. My past history has allowed me to be more empathetic and become a better person. I can show applicants a better way to reach their goals and share hope throughmy strengths and experience. Now that I have been offered a permanent position with EDAWorkforce Development, I can continue to share my experience with participants and help them remove their barriers to employment. I made it my passion to give back and help families become self-sufficient. Changing lives is what matters to me.

Thank you, Lelay Galloway Development Specialist I

Economic Development Agency Workforce Development Center 749 N. State St. Hemet, Ca 92543 Direct Line: 951.791.3504

59

www. r i v c o e d a . o r g