Bert expressed his desire to regain employment as a respiratory therapist, so LIFT volunteers first worked with Bert to renew his certifications. Though excited to finally be getting on the right track, Bert still struggled to handle his depression and stress issues. Bert recalls that difficult period, saying, “Once you lose your job, you lose your identity and self-worth. Joblessness and depression? They go hand-in-hand.” Volunteers sensed that Bert was struggling and suggested that he seek professional counseling. They connected Bert to Community Counseling Centers of Chicago and within months Bert felt a significant improvement in his ability to deal with depression, stress, and challenging setbacks.
From there, LIFT volunteers helped Bert verify his employment history with former employers, strengthen his résumé and craft cover letters. After beginning to apply for jobs, Bert felt the effects of his lack of computer experience and inquired about how he could improve his skills. Volunteers helped him create an email address and encouraged him to take over using the computer during meetings. They also directed him to free computer classes so that he could work on his skills outside the LIFT-Chicago office. Bert says, “I was so impressed that the students actually asked needy individuals ‘What do you need?’ and then worked on that, instead of simply telling them what programs their organization could offer. I felt comfortable bringing up what I wanted to bring up. Any volunteer could assist me with a wide range of services.”
Within a year, Bert was able to secure a satisfying job, renew his respiratory therapist certifications independently, and use Microsoft Office and the internet. With LIFT-Chicago’s help, Bert recently secured senior subsidized housing. He is increasingly assertive and able to ask questions about his tenant’s rights and seek out new resources when he needs help. “I feel more confident in myself and my ability to learn new skills and succeed.”
Bert is grateful for the services he received from LIFT-Chicago, but he says that the support of the volunteers was the determining factor in his success. “More than anything else, they provided a safe place to come and talk. At LIFT, I felt like the volunteers were on my side. They still ask about how I’m doing—here, I feel truly cared for and appreciated.”
