“I work for Midwestern Dining and we are contracted by Ellsworth Community College here in Iowa Falls,” explains Drew Walker. Drew started his journey with Midwest Dining just 2 months ago and is already a great asset to their team. Drew’s employer, Cheryl Sorisco, states she wishes she had ten more people like Drew working for her! “I enjoy sitting at the computer by the door and students scan their ID’s and I make sure they have the right one with them for supper.” When asked how long he’s been working there Drew said, “I started on August 21 st , this year. So I’ve been there two months.”

Robin, a NIVC job coach, helped Drew to get his job at Midwestern Dining. Robin remarked upon the passion Drew put into his job search, saying, “He was very good to work with… When we were role playing the interview he answered all the questions and was really good about doing that. Overall he worked really hard to get a job. He came to all the appointments and did whatever I asked of him.” “She’s a very good person. Robin is really nice. She helps me ask for time o‡ work, fill out the right paperwork, and checks in with me while I’m working to make sure I have everything I need,” Drew said of Robin.

In addition, Drew’s employer Cheryl greatly appreciates Robin’s assistance as well. She went on to say how she really enjoys her relationship with NIVC and Drew. She especially appreciates the way Robin checks in with her and Drew weekly.

During her job search Kelly, a NIVC coach, helped Hazel find a job at Apple Valley Assisted Living in Osage. Hazel said, “I have to thank NIVC for helping me find this job because without them I wouldn’t have thought about traveling outside of town, because I’m from Charles City, so when I was looking for employment I was looking in Charles City or the small towns. If it wasn’t for NIVC and Kelly I would have never gotten this job because I would have never thought about coming outside of my comfort zone.”Hazel described Kelly as, “one of the most amazing workers I’ve ever had.” Hazel continued, saying that whenever Kelley walks in the door during a surprise visit Hazel smiles like a kid in a candy store!” Hazel a single mother of two young boys, aged three and eight. She has now earned her place in the Apple Valley family, saying, “I love working here. The residents here are amazing and it’s more like a family when you come into work. People regret going to work, but not me. I love it.”

With a smile in her voice Hazel said, “There’s a couple residents that I just, I love… They’re just like my Nana or my Papa. Like I’ll go in and I’ll clean their rooms and they’ll sit down and some of the residents ask me to have a conversation.’ It’s a very caring residency. I love my residents.”

Hazel’s supervisor shared her care for Hazel saying, “I really enjoy having Hazel and appreciate the support NIVC has to offer.” Hazel’s employment coordinator echoed the sentiment of an extended family in the workplace, saying, “I’m proud of her accomplishments and am happy to support her as she works towards her GED.”

Outside of work Hazel spends her time working on her GED and Certified Nursing Assistant certificate, and is set to receive these this holiday season. Hazel shared with us where she gains her motivation with a choked up voice, saying, “I just keep pushing myself so my kids have a better life.”

With a final remark on how she pushes through the hectic nature of her life at the moment Hazel
shared, “I just want it to be known that even though it’s chaotic sometimes, being here and being there and trying to get my whole life together, it’s worth it. It’s frustrating sometimes, but it’s definitely worth putting the effort in to better myself.”

John acquired his job with the help of NIVC. As a testament to NIVC’s ability to connect clients to employers John said, “NIVC and Affordables [a division of NIVC] do a really good job of telling the employers about job seekers and their work experience. “I remember at my interview I did not have to answer a lot of questions. Kathy, my job coach had already asked me what days and times I could work. Plus, “the interviewer” had already received lots of feedback about my work at Affordables. NIVC made the process of finding a job so easy.“I started the first week of May. I take orders, I hand out food at drive through, and I make some of the ice cream and some other things,” said John about his job at McDonalds. “I like talking with people and talking with the customers as they come in.” Within half a year of employment John has already earned “employee of the month”!

John shared, “NIVC also helped me quite a bit in getting more confidence in a job situation. I worked for three years at Affordables down the street and I worked cash register and put clothes
out on the sales floor and I got a little bit more comfortable talking to people.” Vicky, Johns employer, went on to tell us, “Having a partnership with NIVC has been really good for us… We’ve had Kathy as a job coach with us for a long time so she’s kind of part of the family… It’s been a really, good transition for us. We’ve had quite a few clients of NIVC and we’re not hesitant to take that on.”

“Marcy Eitel is a desk attendant at the Franklin Wellness Center, working three mornings a week from 8:00 to 10:00a.m. Marcy works during a busy time when many members are coming and going to and from classes and working out. Her duties include making sure members are signed in, taking money, and answering the phone. Her being at the desk allows the other employee on duty to perform other tasks as needed,” Jim added. Hope, Marcy’s job coach, has helped Marcy get her
job from day one. Hope helped Marcy find, apply for, and interview for her job. After Marcy acquired her job Hope helped train Marcy for her job. When speaking about her relationship
with Hope, Marcy commented, “She’s a good person. I really like her. And I knew her in High School.” Marcy and Hope attended Hampton Middle School together, and are happy to get to continue spending time together.Marcy’s favorite part of her work is the company she encounters there, saying, “The people are
friendly and they always say hi to me or good morning or have a good day.” Marcy finds a lot of pride in her work and says having her job makes her feel successful. She is a go-getter in her community, telling us, “I have three jobs. I have the wellness center and I have the Care Center and I have the Main Street Market”. Marcy is now moving into a new house and is happy with her growing independence and accomplishments