Not too long ago, everything in Cathy’s professional life seemed to be going her way. She worked for a reputable company, held a supervisory role, and was growing her skills. But when the company made the decision to move to Mexico, about 300 employees were laid off, leaving Cathy unexpectedly unemployed. 

“I started looking for another job, but it was so hard to find,” she shares. “I sent out 15 resumes and heard nothing.” 

Despite the discouraging job search, fate had other plans for Cathy. 

“A friend of mine asked me to take her mother to apply at Deseret Industries,” she recalls. “I brought her here and helped with filling out an application. We were talking with a supervisor, and I let her know that I didn’t have a job. When we finished, she looked at me and said, ‘Would you like to work here?’ I said, ‘Of course!’” 

With a referral from her bishop, Cathy was able to secure a position as a DI associate—an opportunity she believes was meant to be.

“This was the right thing that happened in my life,” she says. “I don’t feel that this is a job; this is an inspired program to serve the community.” 

Cathy’s perspective on the DI job training program speaks to the overarching purpose of Deseret Industries: to help those in need. One of DI’s guiding principles is to provide low-cost goods for people in the community—a reality Cathy has witnessed firsthand. 

“I love to see the joy of the children when their parents can buy them toys,” she says. “They start screaming with happiness, ‘We have a lot of toys!’ and ‘I’m going to invite my friends so they can come play!’ My heart is full of joy to see the teenagers who choose a piece of clothing, and then they realize that it’s inexpensive, so they can buy more. They become so excited.” 

Although Cathy's professional background is in teaching and managing, she has applied her previous job experiences to share kindness and positively impact others’ lives. 

“So many times, ladies ask me, ‘Do you think this looks good on me?’ I say, ‘Beautiful! You look beautiful. That color matches with your eyes.’ They get so excited and say, ‘Oh, I’m going to buy it!’ Those kind of experiences are beautiful. That’s why I don’t consider this a job—it’s a service to do something for somebody.”

Outside of work, one of Cathy’s biggest accomplishments has been supporting her children in obtaining college educations. 

“As a teacher, I wanted them to study,” Cathy shares. “They didn’t want to at the beginning—they said, ‘Mom, you’re not going to be able to do it. There are three of us.’ I said, ‘I don't know how, but I'm going to do it.’” 

Cathy’s enduring perseverance not only reflects her resilient personality but also illustrates that those who take a leap of faith can turn their situations around. 

“I visited DI twice as a customer, but I didn’t feel what I feel now being an associate,” Cathy says. “It’s amazing.” 

Want to help individuals achieve their personal and professional dreams? Drop by a Deseret Industries location today, where associates like Cathy can assist you in your thrifting adventures. Every purchase supports the DI job training program, providing associates with resources to develop their skills and build better lives.