At Pathways to Independence, we’re proud to partner with organizations that help our participants thrive. MERS Goodwill of St. Charles County recently shared a Mission Moment highlighting Jessica, a Pathways participant whose success has been supported by both MERS Goodwill and the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board (DDRB). Her story is a powerful example of well-rounded growth through collaboration. Read below for the Mission Moment:
“Jessica has been in long-term retention-supported employment services with MERS Goodwill and the DDRB since December of 2019, shortly after she began working with Burlington. When she first started at Burlington, Jessica was a bit nervous, and she was shy when it came to answering customer questions. To help build her confidence, Jessica and her retention specialist practiced different role-play scenarios. These exercises significantly boosted her self-assurance and comfort on the job.
Originally hired as a temporary employee, Jessica’s strong work ethic quickly stood out. Because of her dedication and growth, she was offered a year-round position. Her newfound confidence didn’t just stay at work- it also made a big difference in her personal life. Jessica is now enrolled in Pathways to Independence and regularly attends two to three activities each month. These experiences have helped her become more outgoing and social.
Jessica’s supervisor has taken notice of her growth and has recently asked her to begin training new employees. This is an incredible milestone. We are incredibly proud of Jessica and all she has accomplished. A fun fact about her: She plays the guitar!
We would also like to extend a big thank you to DDRB for providing Jessica with the opportunities and resources that have supported her success.”
Jessica’s journey shows the impact of strong partnerships and consistent support. We’re grateful to MERS Goodwill and DDRB for helping individuals like Jessica gain confidence, independence, and new opportunities. We’re excited to see what she does next!
If you would like to Find Your People and start your growth journey, contact us today!