When Sara* first came to Mountain Resource Center, her greatest need was access to food. After learning about the breadth of support available, Sara revealed that she recently left an abusive relationship and was living in a homeless shelter. She had to leave her home and her job behind in order to find safety, but the reality of ‘starting over’ was terrifying to her. Sara began participating in Mountain Resource Center’s Workforce Program. She gained valuable skills in resume writing and interviewing, and met one-on-one with a Workforce Advocate to determine possible career paths. Sara shared that she had past experience as an architect, but that it had been many years since she last practiced, because of the abusive relationship she was in. The Advocate asked her if she was willing to explore jobs as the person she used to be, rather than the person she felt like right now. Sara decided she wanted to try. She and her advocate rewrote her resume and put together a portfolio of past accomplishments. Sara applied to several architecture firms throughout the state of Colorado. She got a call for an interview, but her car was in no condition to make a long trip. Through MRC’s Case Management Program and emergency assistance, Sara received financial help to pay for her car repairs and gas for the trip. Sara picked out a professional outfit at the MRC Resale store, and drove to her interview feeling confident and prepared. Sara was offered a job on the spot! Within two weeks, Sara found an apartment and moved to her new location to start her life again.

* Client names have been changed to protect their confidentiality.