Jared

I began my job search in June 2022, looking for a full-time position that offered a fair wage for the work and hours involved. With years of experience in customer service and a passion for making a difference in my community, I knew I had valuable skills and knowledge to offer.

However, my anxiety, depression, paranoia disorder, and resulting poor sleep schedule made it difficult to dedicate consistent time and energy to it. When I was in a better mental space, I gave it my all, but the challenges of the process often overwhelmed me, and I would hit a wall.

Challenges I Faced
I needed remote work due to a lack of reliable transportation, and the cost of a ride-share service for commuting to a full-time job would be prohibitive. Additionally, the pandemic increased the demand for remote positions, making the job market highly competitive.

How I Overcame These Challenges
After a year of persistence, applying to numerous jobs, and feeling increasingly discouraged, I decided to seek help. I connected with Devonna Haynes from MassAbility (formerly the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission), who referred me to Project Advance Vocational Services, a program run by Programs For People, Inc.

The counselors at Project Advance—Maryjane Kunycky and Christian Rideout—invited me to weekly group counseling sessions. Each week, we discussed a new topic, and as a group, we supported one another in navigating the job search process. It was reassuring to know I wasn’t alone in facing these challenges. Through these sessions, I gained valuable tips and strategies to make my job search more effective and less stressful. I also met regularly with Christian for one-on-one calls, which helped me establish a better job search routine and improve my sleep schedule.

Additionally, I was encouraged to attend the Work Without Limits virtual Career Fair for with Disabilities. It was there that I met Amy-Margaret Castellano from UHealthSolutions. Given my years of customer service experience, UHealthSolutions was a great fit, and just two weeks later, I was hired as a Member Services Representative!