Juliana joined the WorkBC—Specialized Services employment program in October 2016. She came to Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House seeking help in finding part-time employment, preferably in her field of accounting.

Juliana was going through a major life transition. While recovering from a car accident, she was in the middle of family legal issues after leaving an abusive partner, and was living with her teenage son in second stage housing. Juliana also had a three-year employment gap, and needed to develop job search skills as well as a professional network. She also mentioned having low self-esteem and health issues.

During the program, Juliana received support from Case Manager/Facilitator Margarita Chapman and Job Developer Sammie Jo Rumbaua. She worked closely with Margarita on updating and tailoring her resume, writing cover letters, acquiring interview skills and participating in health and personal care workshops, as well as programs to help manage stress and anger. She also worked with Sammie Jo on marketing assistance, identifying potential job leads, and reviewing a contract offered by an accounting firm.

The program provided Juliana with job search websites and referrals to recruiters with job offers in accounting. She was also supported to attend job fairs, and invited to join the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House Cooking Club to expand her network.

Juliana started part-time employment in February 2017 as an accountant clerk at one of the largest commercial printing companies in the Pacific Northwest, located in Burnaby. During her first week of employment, Juliana requested continuous support to retain her new job. Job Developer Sammie Jo was more than happy to assist her with technical support using Microsoft Outlook, as well as etiquette training. At the same time, Sammie Jo stayed in communication with Juliana’s direct supervisor, to follow up and ask for any feedback on Juliana’s performance.

“I thank you very much for this program at the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House,” Juliana says.

 

“My Case Manager, Margarita, not only helped me update my resume, cover letter, reinforce my job search and interview skills, but also provided incredible support in facing a challenging situation both in my personal life and in re-entering my career. With her help, I am again confident and hopeful about my future.”

 

“The Job Developer, Sammie Jo, was also very helpful in connecting me with job leads and in clarifying my contract terms with the employer, giving me always positive support and encouragement,” Julia says with confidence about reentering the job market.