Finding hope after graduating during a pandemicNina graduated from the Community College of Allegheny County in May 2020 – during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. After taking all the right steps, she was frustrated in her job search and struggling to find the right employment opportunity to fit her needs.
"My job search during Covid was extremely hard. No one was really hiring due to the pandemic, and also the wages weren’t really suitable for me to meet my needs and survive in the real world," Nina said. She learned about 3 Cups of Coffee GRAD and hoped it would help her build a career plan. After being connected to her mentor, Tabatha, she learned valuable skills that helped her find a job she loves as a behavioral therapist. The guidance she received through the program was invaluable. "During Covid, I felt kind of lost. It was scary because everything was so unknown. Without this program, I don’t think I’d be where I am today," Nina shared. To learn more about 3 Cups of Coffee, click here. A special thank you to our 3 Cups of Coffee funders: Alcoa Foundation, Arconic Foundation, FedEx Ground, FirstEnergy Foundation, Jack Buncher Foundation, J.Jill Compassion Fund, and The Pittsburgh Foundation.
Finding community in dark times
As the COVID-19 pandemic set in, Jen James experienced hardship after hardship. Their life began to spiral, and after getting laid off, they felt more alone than ever.
"I felt like this was only happening to me. It was very isolating," Jen remembered. Jen was referred to Pennsylvania Women Work by a caring friend who thought the organization could help. Jen participated in New Choices and Customer Service First-Class where they gained valuable skills and, most importantly, discovered a community of other individuals experiencing some of the same obstacles and challenges as them. PA Women Work helped Jen combine their passion for theater with their professional skillset, and they landed a job as the General Manager at the Dormont Hollywood Theater. I was able to discover myself. I feel a sense of empowerment. Definitely a sense of pride," she said. |