Phyllis needed income immediately, so LIFT-DC volunteers worked with her to refresh her résumé and helped her collect updated contact information from her previous jobs, including supervisor references and salary and promotion history. She created several cover letters and copies of her résumés, and volunteers supplied her with information for upcoming local job fairs. Phyllis learned how to apply for jobs online for the first time and volunteers coached her on checking her email and visiting job websites. They sent her home with additional computer instructions and job opportunity listings so that she could practice outside the office.
Phyllis was thrilled to be making progress on her employment search in such a short period of time, but she was even more surprised when volunteers offered her resources she hadn’t inquired about. They scheduled Phyllis for a public benefits screening at her next appointment to identify benefits like TANF, SSI, and food stamps that would help her family make ends meet until she secured a job. Volunteers also gave her materials and contact information for a foreclosure prevention clinic and for home ownership counseling services so that she could manage her mortgage situation in the meantime.
With the support of LIFT-DC volunteers—their advice, information, and also compassionate listening—Phyllis felt her confidence grow with each application and interview. A few weeks after her first appointment, Phyllis called the LIFT-DC office to inform the volunteers that she had secured a food service job at Georgetown Hospital and would be starting training shortly.
Phyllis is excited to be able to manage her mortgage payments and afford her own home, and she feels more secure taking care of her family. Currently she is reviewing information from LIFT-DC about GED classes and is excited to continue working with LIFT-DC on finding job training and increasing her earning potential.
