Caprice Scott
Just one month after buying a house, I was unexpectedly laid off. I had been in my position for over 10 years, working as a social worker, job developer, and youth counselor. I was shocked, but I knew that many nonprofits were losing funding. That meant that my networking connections were also laying people off.
As I signed up for unemployment and applied to several jobs, I struggled with depression. Looking for a job takes a toll on you, and when no one is hiring, the toll is even greater. Still, I didn’t want to stand still; I wanted to do something productive. I had a mortgage, I had a child, I had other responsibilities. My bills still needed to be paid.
In the midst of trying to figure out my next move, one of my girlfriends referred me to PA Women Work. She had graduated from New Choices, and she thought the program would help me.
As a job developer, I already knew a lot about career development, but I went in to New Choices with a positive attitude, ready to learn. Through the program, I realized I wasn’t alone; there were others like me, and we could help each other. I brushed up on my skills, and I took time to consider my future: Where did I want to be? What was I going to do about it?
Through New Choices, I obtained a temporary position at UPMC. While grateful for the position, my heart was still in working with youth and social services. I kept working towards this goal, and eventually, I was hired at Jeremiah’s Place. Now I’m working with kids, I’m doing what I’m good at, and my job brings a smile to my face.
As I signed up for unemployment and applied to several jobs, I struggled with depression. Looking for a job takes a toll on you, and when no one is hiring, the toll is even greater. Still, I didn’t want to stand still; I wanted to do something productive. I had a mortgage, I had a child, I had other responsibilities. My bills still needed to be paid.
In the midst of trying to figure out my next move, one of my girlfriends referred me to PA Women Work. She had graduated from New Choices, and she thought the program would help me.
As a job developer, I already knew a lot about career development, but I went in to New Choices with a positive attitude, ready to learn. Through the program, I realized I wasn’t alone; there were others like me, and we could help each other. I brushed up on my skills, and I took time to consider my future: Where did I want to be? What was I going to do about it?
Through New Choices, I obtained a temporary position at UPMC. While grateful for the position, my heart was still in working with youth and social services. I kept working towards this goal, and eventually, I was hired at Jeremiah’s Place. Now I’m working with kids, I’m doing what I’m good at, and my job brings a smile to my face.
Caprice Scott received a 2014 Woman of Courage at Pennsylvania Women Work's Circle of Hope. Also awarded were Tamika Duck, Roberta Duff and Deana Keenan.
