After six years of being a stay-at-home mother and wife, I found myself single and needing to support my three children. I had been out of the job market for a long time and my job search was discouraging. I lacked confidence and was not accustomed to being around other people. I remember being very social, but the experiences of the past six years had made me a little shy and withdrawn. I wanted to be independent, but the challenge was more than I could manage on my own.  I visited with my bishop, who asked if I would like an opportunity to learn some new skills while I worked to support my children. He provided me with a referral to Deseret Industries.

Leaving my children to go to work was difficult. My younger two had never been with a babysitter, and the transition was even more complicated by my middle son’s Autism. I knew that leaving him during the day would be especially challenging. I was comforted during my initial visit when the development specialist was happy to work with me. She helped me with a work schedule that would help my son maintain his routine and ease the impact of this major change in the lives of myself and my children.

I cannot say enough about the people at Deseret Industries who have helped me. Everyone was friendly and easy to get along with. My job coach trainer and development specialist encouraged me to call on them about anything. I was amazed by the people I worked with, each with their own stories and their own obstacles. The skills we learned taught us that we could be successful.  Together we were able to lift one another and celebrate our successes. I found myself becoming outgoing and, because these good people believed in me, I began to believe in myself.

Deseret Industries helped me to find that person in me that was hiding deep down and bring her out to show the world. I landed a job that I was aiming for and my confidence is better than ever. My family is happier and the impact of seeing their mother being confident and successful is amazing. I know that now I can raise them to be independent and confident in the things they choose to do as they grow up.  Don’t think of DI as “just a job”— think of it as a gateway to success and a way to improve your life.