Guided by the recommendation of his mental health practitioner, Anakin joined Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) Individualized Placement and Support (IPS) program , which provides personalized job placement and support to Olmsted, Winona and Wabasha County residents. Career navigators, like Sara, partner with mental health practitioners to offer individualized support for the placement and retention in employment.
“I needed help finding a job that I enjoyed and I lacked confidence in employment,” Anakin explained as his reason for joining GESMN IPS program. With Sara’s support and encouragement, Anakin gained confidence.
Anakin described the program as a “positive atmosphere” that “changed my life in a positive way. It gave me better employment opportunities and more confidence.”
He appreciated Sara’s presence during job interviews, saying, “She gave me a confidence boost.” Sara added, “We prepped for his job interviews and he incorporated some of the tips we discussed.”
Within a month, Anakin secured employment as a cleaner at River City Grill. “I sweep and operate the floor cleaning machine. I also clean bathrooms, dust the bar booths and other tasks as requested,” Anakin said.
Sara shared examples of Anakin’s professionalism at work. When he wasn’t feeling well one day, his manager encouraged him to take a mental health day, and Anakin returned ready to work the next day. On another occasion, he respectfully addressed a storeroom issue with the kitchen manager, resulting in a quick resolution. “I was proud of how Anakin handled the situation,” said Sara.
To learn more about GESMN’s career and training services, visit gesmn.org/programs or text JOBS to 71492.
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