My family needed income and I was unable to find employment on my own. I was at a very low point in my life when my bishop felt inspired to refer me to Deseret Industries. In my mind at the time, I was only there for one thing, and that was to earn a paycheck and nothing more. Little did I know, that what I was to learn at DI could never be measured by how much was in my paycheck.

One of the ways Deseret Industries helped me was through my involvement in creating a development plan. I remember my first week, when my job coach and I sat down and went over the form. I thought, “Are you kidding me! I can barely make it through the work day, let alone work on goals.”  My job coach was very patient with me. She didn’t belittle me or expect me to make some grand goal, but she did set expectations for me. My initial goals were seemingly small and some were very personal, but they were very helpful as I was pushed ever so little. With help, I became stronger and more confident.

Looking back after just a few short months, I really have made a lot of changes. When it was time to look for permanent employment, once the ball began to roll it didn’t take me long to find a job.

I know Heavenly Father has a great purpose in this program. I love the motto, “Give stuff a second chance,” but another motto, a greater motto, might be, “Give people a second chance.” I now have hope for tomorrow.