I was referred to Deseret Industries by my bishop. I had been unemployed for nine months and was in desperate need of a job to support my family. Unfortunately, I was in no shape mentally or emotionally to obtain work. My marriage of 20 years had ended, and I was left with many unresolved emotions. Major depression consumed me. I was a shattered man and had become someone obviously unfit for employment.

The man that I was when I began at Deseret Industries was one who could barely get through the placement interview without breaking down into a quivering mass of emotions. When I received the news that I was accepted into the DI training program, I was greatly relieved that someone was willing to take someone like me, who was obviously so unfit for employment. I soon met a wonderful job coach, a development counselor, and was assigned a mentor. They helped me sort out my priorities, provided professional counseling, and encouraged me to take the steps that would lead me to a better future.

For years I had wanted to pursue a career in information technology and obtain certification as an IT professional. I was provided access to an online training program that included exactly what I needed. As I worked and studied, my condition began to improve. Soon, I was promoted to be a lead associate, where I had the responsibility for training and supervising others. I next participated in a career development workshop, where I worked on my interview skills and rewrote my resume to maximize awareness of my prior work experience and abilities. During all of this, I worked hard on my assigned job. I proved not only to my job coach, but to myself that I was competent and capable.

When I was finally ready to take my certification tests for my IT training, DI paid my testing fees. On my first attempt, I successfully passed the tests needed for certification. After completing this goal, DI provided me with several additional online courses to improve my job skills and increase my employability.

My eight month journey of hope and healing at Deseret Industries brought me a successful interview with a recruiter from a company looking for someone with my training and experience. The online training I completed at Deseret Industries provided me exactly what I needed. Four interviews and a successful background check brought me to an official job offer.

I thank the Lord every day for the inspiration given to my bishop to visit me and encourage me to enroll in the DI training program. I am thankful beyond words for the assistance provided by the DI staff and many volunteers who have helped and encouraged me in my training and rehabilitation. Thank you all.