Two Mothers Overcome Barriers to Employment Success

by SalvationArmy.ca
Categories: Feature, Mobile
Share:

For many single parents, working is essential. But for Pam (not her real name) and Laura, barriers such as depression and lack of child care interfered with their ability to retain employment. When meeting expenses became increasingly difficult, they had to bring money in. But re-entering the workforce after many years away was frightening.

The Challenges

“Finding employment can be challenging for anyone,” says Catherine French, coordinator for The Salvation Army’s employment training in St. John’s, N.L. “But for people with barriers, taking that positive action is even more difficult. The Salvation Army gives them the tools they need to succeed.”

When Pam caught her partner cheating she fell into a deep depression and became suicidal. Before long she quit her $20-an-hour job. Eventually Pam realized that she needed to return to work for the sake of her family.

Six years earlier, Laura, too, had left the workforce. She had stopped working as a therapist for special needs children to care full-time for her autistic step-grandson. Laura knew she couldn’t pick up where she left off.

“I’m shy by nature,” says Laura. “I wanted a different direction in my career but didn’t have the confidence or the drive to get there.”

The Solution

The Salvation Army’s Retail Skills Training (RST) Program not only provides individuals with abilities essential for retail sales and customer service, its personal development component renews self-esteem, improves health, develops strengths, and more.

“I learned how to use a cash register, debit/credit machines and set up store displays,” says Laura. “And hands-on experience played a huge part in restoring my self-confidence.”

“Through the course I realized I could be a manager or supervisor,” says Pam. “Most beneficial was that I was able to put to rest the guilt of quitting a good job.”

Winning Results

Once they found work, it was easier for Pam and Laura to overcome some of life’s challenges.

Laura works at a craft store, giving good quality service to customers.

“Getting a regular pay check gives me a boost,” says Laura. “I’m able to put gas in the car for trips and can help others out if they are stuck.”

Pam is employed in the food service industry. She looks forward to getting up and going to work.

“I feel I have purpose in life,” says Pam. “And with money coming in I don’t have to say no to my kids all the time. They used to wear socks with holes in them, torn pants and destroyed sneakers. Last month we went shopping. My kids say ‘mom you are rich now.’”

“Obtaining employment and critical life skills will benefit participants for a life time,” says Catherine. “It also enhances the well-being of society. When individuals succeed, communities succeed.”