My Start with HireAbility Vermont
I got started with HireAbility when I was part of the Harwood Union High School transition program. I worked with job coaches and my case manager, Elizabeth, to figure out what kind of job would be the best fit for me. They paired me with a para who matched well with my personality and needs. That support helped me find my first job at Billings Mobile Gas Station in Waterbury and I’ve now been working there ever since (over 5-years now).
When I first started, my employment specialist, my supervisor, and I sat down to talk about hours and scheduling. I began with one four-hour shift, and over time I picked up more responsibilities like brewing coffee. Before this, I had some unpaid internships like helping in the kitchen at Fayston Elementary, but this was my first real paid job. Thanks to the support I got early on with HireAbility, I was able to become fully independent at work.
What HireAbility Vermont Means to Me
Having HireAbility as an adult service has been great, really great. It’s splendid. It’s amazing. My counselor, Rocko and I had a lot of conversations about my goals. We’d talk about how many hours I wanted, or if I wanted to try a second job. I always felt supported and heard.
Being part of a workplace makes me feel very happy. I’m proud of everything I’ve learned, and I feel appreciated. Looking back, I’m really grateful for the team that helped me transition from High School to adulthood. They made sure I had the right supports in place to succeed.
My Advice for Anyone Thinking About Connecting with HireAbility
If you’re thinking about working with HireAbility, I would say go for it. It’s a program that helps you explore what kind of job you’d be interested in, how many hours you want to work, and what you want for your future. They’ll work with you and support you along the way.
I still want to stay at my job at Billings, it’s the best fit for me. In the future, I also want to learn how to manage my own money and live on my own. HireAbility has helped me feel confident and proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I know they can do the same for others.