"If You Have the Want to, You Can Get There" - Tim's Story
Introduction
Tim joined our program in December of 2020 after serving as an Aerographer's Mate in the United States Navy and being honorably discharged in 1989. Tim carried a few barriers to securing sustainable employment, including an unfinished business degree, but he worked hard with his Employment Specialist to identify and pursue job opportunities.
Connecting Tim to Resources
Tim collaborated with the Easterseals Oregon Homeless Veteran Rehabilitation Program (HVRP) team to update his resume, locate job boards, and determine a viable career path. While working with his Employment Specialist, she assisted him in job searches, sent him job leads, and applied or assisted him in applying for jobs.
Tim also reenrolled with Great Basin College to finish his degree in Business Management. Together, they spoke regularly about any upcoming interviews, discussing interviewing strategy and increasing his confidence. Our Employment Specialist directed Tim to the National Veterans Technical Assistance Center (NVTAC) website and the veteran’s resources available there. Tim completed veteran-specific trainings on the NVTAC website to prepare him for employment.
A Much-Needed Victory
On January 6th, 2021, Tim secured a full-time job as a Dispatcher and Customer Service Agent with A+ Towing earning $13.50 an hour. Shortly after, his wife also landed a full-time job and they moved into a beautiful house in Springfield with their dogs, Sasha and Gideon. In the beginning of March 2021, the family graduated from their housing assistance program.
In Tim's Words
When asked how he accomplished these goals, Tim said “It’s important to have a support—a person behind you, or a group behind you, to know that there’s someone there if you need help, and you guys supplied that.” He told us that Easterseals Oregon had bolstered his support network and helped him stay accountable for his job search. Speaking about his career success and hope for the future, Tim said “If you have the want to, you can get there.”
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