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In 2022, Lindy* was staying with family after falling behind on bills and other expenses after being in a serious car accident. Her situation was unsustainable, however, and Lindy was forced to live in her car. Scraping together enough money for a rare night in a motel, Lindy headed over to the address she found on the booking website. Upon arrival, she realized there was a mistake on the website and that where previously a motel stood, now stood the Interim Housing Center (IHC). Lindy explained her situation to IHC staff who sprang into action to help her, connecting her with intake services and finding a room for her.
“I was so overwhelmed,” she shared. “I felt like I was in the right place at the right time – everyone was so accommodating and helpful.”
While staying at the IHC, Lindy dove into EES programs and worked hard to prepare for a home of her own again. EES stands for Education and Employment Services. Employment programs and resources for individuals who are homeless or have experienced homelessness are crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty and providing opportunities for success and self-sufficiency. At DuPagePads, these programs provide essential skills training, resume building, and interview preparation that empower clients to compete in the competitive job market. DuPagePads is fortunate to have an Education and Employment Services department that helps clients navigate the complexities of career planning.
Two years after first arriving at the front door of the IHC, Lindy stepped into a new chapter of her life by moving into a DuPagePads Supportive Housing apartment. This change marked the beginning of her journey towards stability and accomplishing her dreams, including her career goals. One such goal was to become a certified Pharmacy Technician. Through dedication and hard work, Lindy passed her certification exam with an almost perfect score!
Lindy shared her gratitude to the employment team at DuPagePads, whe she says helped her overcome numerous challenges in obtaining employment. The resume review and interviewing tips classes were particularly influential, and Lindy shared, “You can have the experience, but you have to put it into words. After DuPagePads helped make changes, my resume started getting hits.”
Now, Lindy is about to reach 90 days at her dream job as a pharmacy technician, with aspirations of becoming a lead and obtaining additional certifications! We are so proud of Lindy’s hard work, dedication, and commitment.
Lindy’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the EES team at DuPagePads. To continue this life-changing work, DuPagePads relies on your support. Each donation helps provide the resources necessary to equip individuals with what they need to build brighter futures for themselves. Your support can make a real difference.
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