When Helena and her husband moved to Utah after 20 years in the Bay Area, they were immediately pushed out of their comfort zone. With her husband working from home—and with no friends or family nearby—Helena decided she would seek employment to keep busy and allow her to meet new people.

“I asked a person who was fixing our house where I could find a job,” Helena recalls. “He said, ‘You can find one at DI.’”

Now, Helena has been working as an associate at DI for more than 18 months. The experience has been a major blessing for Helena, providing her with connections and a sense of belonging. 

“I like working here because I can meet people, talk to customers, and make friends,” Helena says. “Some customers come every day, so they’ve become like a friend.” 

For Helena, the opportunity to work at DI has not only allowed her to create friendships but has also given her the chance to develop skills. She especially appreciates the fact that one of the job coaches at her location is learning Mandarin Chinese, which gives them the chance to practice the language together. 

When Helena finishes her time at DI, she plans to retire from paid employment and take on a volunteer job.