“Everything that Rayshawnda needed was already in her before walking through our door. She just needed people like Towards Employment to stand by her side and show her the way. Rayshawnda has reminded me of 2 important aspects of life: 1. A little progress each day adds up to huge results, and 2. You can’t beat the person who never gives up!”
-Karla Seese, Career Coach

"I love to read – I just finished Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah.  I am impressed by characters who don’t give up – I think of myself as a person who never gives up.  That “never give up” thinking will always be part of my story.

In February 2020, I thought my career would begin and end in fast food.  I had a criminal record from 2016 and knew that no one would hire me.  I had tried to get job on my own, only to discouraged again and again – being told – “You just don’t meet our requirements.”  I was as close to giving up as I have ever been.  But I was a young mother, and I wanted so much more for my son. But I could not think of another backup plan for my life – other than to keep filling out job applications, being turned down and having to rely on benefits from the county.

I heard about Towards Employment from a friend.  And I thought – “this could be my chance.”  I had a secret dream to be an Ultrasound Technician; and I thought “this is it – I can find my dream job.” At orientation I learned right away that my dream job would have to wait – with my record, this is not an option for me right now.  It hurt, but like I said, I never give up. I thought – this will give me a plan.  If I can do this, I can have security for my son. And I signed up to start career readiness workshop.

It was winter.  It was cold. And the daycare where I would leave my son did not open early enough for me to get to workshop on time.  I had this chance - and I was not giving up on it!  I went and talked to the staff at the daycare – and I got them to open early so I could make my bus to get to Towards Employment on time! I was nominated to be the TE Champion for my workshop class – they said I was a person who always asked questions, shared my knowledge, and helped others.

My resume still needed help after workshop.  My career coach asked me to consider a paid work experience to build up my resume and experience to get ready for a career. And I said yes.  I actually enjoyed my job with this company and found I really enjoyed customer service.  I am good at helping other succeed.  But then …. the pandemic hit.  I was about to get hired fulltime, but the company cut back. My son’s daycare closed. For three months, I was not sure how I would keep moving forward on my career plan.

After three months, daycare opened back up and I took a job doing factory work to help make ends meet.  I knew this was temporary, it was not what I wanted to do to build my career.  But it was what I had to do - because of the pandemic.  My career coach at Towards Employment had never stopped checking in – transportation was difficult, and TE helped me to keep getting to my job.  After about a year, I was ready to get back to customer service and keep building my career.

My career coach told me that there was a position open as a receptionist that would be a good fit – but that it started as a paid work experience for $2 less an hour than I was making.  But they were really looking to hire after the work experience was completed. If I was hired, it would be a pay increase and benefits.  And my career coach told me they were a company with a good track record for growth.  So I thought about it; and I accepted the position.

I enjoy my work as a receptionist at PC’s for People.  I am learning to see myself taking the next step to be a team lead and then a supervisor. I have come a long way.  I have a plan B, and a Plan C. My family network is stronger; my son’s future is brighter. And I know that I may be discouraged sometimes – but I do not QUIT.  I am not a quitter.

I still am working with Towards Employment to see if there will ever be a way to expunge my record.  I still dream about a career in health care.  I am fighting hard to find a better place for my family to live and grow.  I still want so much more for my family, but I have come a long way from where I started.”