My Start with HireAbility Vermont
When I first moved to Burlington, I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t have any family nearby, and I wasn’t sure where to go for help. I remember feeling completely alone. One day, I googled resources for people my age in the area, and that’s how I found Spectrum. I actually walked by the building a couple of times before I worked up the courage to go inside. It was intimidating, but the kindness I was met with changed everything. The staff were incredibly welcoming. It was the first time in a long time that I felt like someone genuinely wanted to help me and also wanted me to help myself.
Through Spectrum, I got connected to the Jump on Board for Success (JOBS) Program, and that’s where I began my journey with HireAbility Vermont. At the time, I was working as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA), but between the emotional and physical demands of the job and my unstable living situation, I was struggling to keep going. I couldn’t see a clear path forward until the support from these programs started to make all the difference.
What HireAbility Vermont Means to Me
HireAbility Vermont became a lifeline. They didn’t just offer career advice, they showed up for me in ways I never expected. The JOBS Program helped me secure housing during a crisis, and through HireAbility, I received help with college costs, transportation, and even Adult Driver’s Ed. Every semester, they helped me cover the cost of books, scrubs, and even my licensing exams.
I’ve always been interested in healthcare, and I found my true path when I started studying to become a Respiratory Therapist. I remember shadowing someone in high school and realizing how important their role was in the hospital, from newborns to the elderly. I knew then that’s what I wanted to do.
Now, I’m a certified Respiratory Therapist at the University of Vermont Medical Center. I work night shifts helping people breathe easier. It hasn’t always been easy. I’ve dealt with long commutes, exhausting hours, anxiety, and ADHD, but I’ve come a long way. I’m proud of where I am today, and I wouldn’t be here without the support from HireAbility Vermont.
My Advice for Anyone Who Is Thinking About Connecting with HireAbility Vermont
If you feel stuck or unsure of where to begin, ask for help. Even if you’re nervous. Even if you don’t know what to say or where to go. I didn’t know what Spectrum was. I didn’t know what the JOBS Program or HireAbility Vermont could do for me. But taking that first step changed my life.
These are people who truly want to help you. All you have to do is take that first step.