Mary Ann Lewis loves to watch soap operas and do w (01/06/2010)

Mary Ann Lewis’s disability was making it difficult for her to keep a job. Still, she was determined to find steady employment and become independent, so she turned to the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) for assistance.

After meeting with Mary Ann, VR Counselor Penny Prosser was determined to help her reach her goal, so together they developed a plan for employment. Penny worked with Mary Ann to practice her job interviewing techniques. She offered advice on appropriate clothing and hairstyles and helped her prepare a resume that focused on Mary Ann’s strengths and skills. She also provided a job coach to help Mary Ann learn and practice her new job responsibilities. Above all, she offered support and encouragement. And the results speak for themselves. Mary Ann is now a security guard for U.S. Security Associates, Inc., stationed at St. Mary’s Hospital emergency room, and has been on the job for three years!

Penny is proud of how far Mary Ann has come. “She kept in touch every step of the way,” Penny says. “It wasn’t just getting her a job; it was helping her develop confidence so she could stand on her own two feet. She’s not only made employment changes and kept this job; she’s taking care of herself and becoming part of the workforce. She accomplished her goal and is doing extremely well.”

Mary Ann credits Penny for her success, saying, “She kept telling me ‘you can do it, you can do it, you can do it’, and I did. I came a long way with VR.” Mary Ann enjoys her job and feels good about going to work each day. She now has her own apartment with phone service, a small car, and a computer. She is able to pay her bills and is starting to save whenever she can. Mary Ann’s goal is to keep working and she dreams of one day owning her own home.