I had made some very poor choices, so I was having a really hard time finding a job. Even though I had changed, people only saw my background. No one would give me a chance to prove myself. One day I was talking with my landlady, and she suggested I visit with the bishop. With his recommendation, I met with a development counselor at Deseret Industries (DI). The store manager went over my background and set out to obtain the further approval he needed to enroll me in the training program. Grateful, I went to work.

While at DI, a lot of good things happened. I improved my cashiering, customer service, and leadership skills. I was selected to be one of 10 associates to work at preparing a new DI for its grand opening. In addition, I was able to get dentures, which was an amazing boost to my self-confidence. I also made some good friends who supported me and believed in me. Then, through it all, my job coach and other staff members were always there, believing in me and encouraging me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

As my time at DI was coming to a close, my job coach and development counselor talked to me about the Accelerated Job Search (AJS) program, where DI would pay my wages and provide me assistance as I looked for a new opportunity. I was really nervous because I had experienced so many rejections from employers. But my job coach was really supportive, and I was determined to not leave DI without a new job.

I followed the plan and ended up with six job offers! I know I would not have found the job I accepted without the support and encouragement of everyone at DI and in the AJS program. I am very grateful for DI and am excited to continue to move forward.