My Start with HireAbility Vermont
Before my stroke, construction was in my blood. I followed in my father’s footsteps and spent years building things. There was nothing like stepping back at the end of the day and saying, “I built that.”
But everything changed when I was 35. I had a sudden stroke that left me unable to walk, speak, or even swallow. The years that followed were filled with intense rehab, relearning how to talk, how to move, how to live again. I remember wondering if I’d ever get my life back.
For over a decade, I was on SSI. There was this constant fear: What if I try to work and it doesn’t go well? Will I lose everything I rely on? Even as I regained my mobility and speech, that fear and self-doubt held me back. I didn’t know if I could handle working a full day anymore.
Eventually, I made a call to HireAbility Vermont. At first, I got cold feet and backed out. But a year later, I reached out again and this time ready. That’s when I spoke with my counselor, Lee. That first conversation changed everything. Lee saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself.
What HireAbility Vermont Means to Me
With Lee from HireAbility, and Jen from VABIR, I was able to ease back into the workforce in a way that felt manageable. I started with a seasonal job as a park’s attendant, which helped me build a routine, boost my confidence, and figure out what I was really capable of.
It wasn’t always easy. The impact on my benefits was confusing and stressful, but HireAbility didn’t let me navigate it alone. They connected me with Kerri, a Certified Work Incentive Counselor, who helped me understand how I could work, earn more, and still keep the support I needed. For the first time, the numbers actually made sense.
Eventually, I made my way back to construction. I found a job where the team valued my experience and didn’t push me past my limits. I’m surrounded by coworkers and mentors who encourage me, support me, and remind me that it’s okay to take my time and ask questions. That has made all the difference.
Today, I’m almost 50 and working full time. I’ve got health insurance, a steady paycheck, and most importantly I’ve got pride again. HireAbility didn’t just help me find a job. They helped me find my confidence and purpose.
My Advice for Anyone Who Is Thinking About Connecting with HireAbility Vermont
If you’re on SSI or SSDI and wondering if work is even possible for you, start by talking to someone. You don’t need a perfect plan. Just a willingness to explore what your future could look like.
HireAbility Vermont will meet you where you are at. They’ll help you figure it out, step by step. Don’t sell yourself short. You deserve a job that makes you happy and fulfilled. I’m living proof that it’s possible.