Jessica: A Purpose Unhindered by the Past

Jessica from Employment Network (formerly JobPlus)

A New Beginning

I came in contact with JobsPlus (now Employment Network) when I was in River City Correctional Center. They do a job readiness class once a week there. Once I was released, I was able to utilize my skill set at a new job in administration.

I was able to get back into that field doing data analytics for a retail merchandiser. But recently, the company shut down. The first people I could think of to call to work through everything was City Gospel Mission.

A New Hope For the Future

I’ve reached out to Abe Woolfolk at JobsPlus (now Employment Network) , and they are helping me not to get deterred. We’re bouncing ideas, making my resume better, doing mock interviews, things like that. They’re not letting me forget, “Hey, you have skills … there are people who will hire you.”Knowing that I have that community behind me, I have that support, knowing I’m not going to be judged when I walk in the door is what made me keep coming back and refer people here. It has helped me sustain and maintain who I am and what my purpose is.

The Past Can’t Stop Purpose

I was always working. But I got into the wrong life. I was out in the streets, selling and using. I’m not proud of it.
That’s the main thing on my record why I can’t get a job. I’ve cleaned up my record quite a bit. I haven’t been in trouble since my OVI in 2020. That was my eye-opener. I totaled a car, and broke both of my legs and my sternum. I have a rod in my leg that has pins and screws in it. I’ve been sober now for four years.

My son was 13 months old at the time. I wasn’t the best mom for sure. My teen daughters need healing. I’m very blessed that I’m here to show them the mom that they deserve. I have an appointment set up for me and my kids to go for counseling therapy. They need to heal.

All good things come to those who wait. That’s what they keep telling me at JobsPlus (now Employment Network) I know that with God, them, and my family, I’ll be OK.

NOTE: Shortly after this interview, Jessica got a job with an insurance company with the support of JobsPlus. THANK YOU for helping her and many others get life-changing jobs, heal spiritually and mentally, and reconcile with family.