Meet Ann!
Ann is a longtime client of DFSTC and we've had the pleasure of being a part of her journey to success!
Like many women, Ann was a primary caretaker in her family which didn't leave much room for career advancement over the years.
At 55 years old, Ann had a spark reignite! She took action to reenter the workforce and has been a client since!
Read below to learn about how Ann's journey with DFSTC began:
I first found out about DFSTC by taking an online class through another agency about
re-entering the job market. The speaker shared information about DFSTC and encouraged the
women to contact the organization and see what programs and services were available as well
as look at the online recordings. By September 2021, I was participating in Monday's EmPower
Hours, the Professional Women's Group, and special programs - like a weekly financial course.
DFSTC has been invaluable to me! As a 55-year-old woman who homeschooled my daughters
for over 20 years, I had been out of the job market and was not ready to look for a job - much
less know where or how to begin. The last time I actively looked for a job was in 1995. Needless
to say, technology alone was significantly different as well as where and how to search for jobs.
No longer could I rely on my work experience because it was over two decades old.
So, I needed to "re-invent" myself. DFSTC got me started with a Confidence Kit. Being a
homeschool mother, I didn't need an extensive or professional wardrobe. This was a challenge
because building a wardrobe is a huge financial undertaking when starting from scratch. The
Confidence Kit provided me with a beautiful array of clothing that was appropriate for job
seeking and working.
Around that same time, there was an EmPower Hour that focused on taking care of yourself and
thinking about the image that you project. It was an eye-opener because no longer was I a
young, up-and-coming potential employee. I was a woman at the upper-end of the age
spectrum who hadn't had to care about appearance - because that wasn't something that was
relevant when teaching. After that EmPower Hour, I made three appointments - one for
make-up, another for essential garments, and the third for a haircut. These simple
appointments also helped give me the confidence I needed to feel better about myself as I
prepared for interviewing.
Through DFSTC, I learned where to look for potential jobs, how to re-word my resume, and how
to handle difficult interview questions. I also learned practical life skills - like budgeting and how
to look for community resources that would help me with making ends meet. I was realizing
that I needed to address some fundamental issues - such as finding free or affordable food -
because [if] my basic needs weren't being met, then it would be difficult to focus on anything
beyond that.
Eventually, I got a job that built upon my homeschool teaching experience. I received another
Confidence Kit. This one had such a beautiful selection of clothing and accessories. It was like
someone knew exactly what I needed and would love to wear! It was just the boost I needed as
I prepared to started working.
As I began my job, it was not exactly how I envisioned it. Although there were some highlights
each week, overall it was not as good of a fit as I had hoped. I continued attending EmPower
Hours and Professional Womens Group throughout this time. Each week, there were new ideas,
advice, and encouragement given. These sessions provided a sense of stability, comfort, and
ideas for moving forward.
Many people in the community who I had volunteered with through different organizations and
clubs were asking me how I liked my job. I told them about the challenges with it and expressed
my desire to find something more aligned with my background. I was becoming more confident
in speaking up for what I wanted to do with this final stage in my career. Because I spoke up and
advocated for myself, people began spreading the word for me and would suggest others to talk
with. In a short period of time, I was approached by an organization to help with its marketing,
social media, and public relations. Better yet: I could work from home (my ideal location!). After
discussing a consultancy role with the organization, I took the position! Although I am doing
both the work position as well as being a consultant, I feel like both positions use gifts that I am
skilled at as well as provide me with something I need and want in a job.
DFSTC has been like a rock of stability and routine through my re-entering into the job market
and my new jobs. I am incredibly grateful for the generosity of DFSTC with the wealth of
information shared online as well as the Confidence Kits. Without DFSTC, I would never have
been ready or able to transition to this next phase of my life. With DFSTC, I have been able to
confidently and capably face unfamiliar situations and workplaces and thrive in them!
