3.5-Minute Read
In the first of our newly launched “Success Stories” blog series, Galt Foundation shares the story of Henry, one of our job seekers who regained morale in the workforce with our help. After a two-year hiatus, Henry was able to confidently reenter the workforce.
Getting back into the rhythm of a regular routine can be tough, especially after stepping away from something for an extended period of time. This was the case for Henry, one of Galt Foundation’s field staff, who had been searching for work after leaving the workforce for a year and nine months.
While he had previously worked in the public service sector, Henry’s job search felt like a daunting task. His absence from the workforce left him feeling uncertain about his interview skills and experience at the time, as anybody would. After hearing about Galt from a friend, and doing subsequent research, Henry felt certain that Galt was the organization that could help him find career success.
Life Before Galt
Henry had previously left his last job due to personal reasons. His HIV caused him to develop neuropathy, which is the damage or dysfunction of nerves that can result in numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or pain in an affected area. Consequently, his neuropathy limited the use of his hands, which impacted his work at the computer.
During the nearly two-year gap away from the workforce, Henry was not only feeling out of practice with his interview skills, but he felt his typing speed was also not where it used to be. This left him feeling unsure and insecure about his skill set.
Henry was ready to make a change. He was ready to receive guidance in rebuilding his skills and obtaining a job that suited his background. Most importantly, he was ready, willing, and able to work.
Relevant & Meaningful Opportunities
Compared to other employment agencies, Henry felt that Galt truly cared about finding meaningful employment opportunities that are best suited to their applicants’ experiences. This was important to him because he was interested in a career in the public service sector.
While other employment agencies “just need a body” to show up and do a job, Galt wanted to match Henry with a position that was the right fit for his skills, experiences, and career goals without pressuring him to accept just any job that came his way. In Henry’s words, the people at Galt stated, “Here is your background, and here is what we have available, but don’t make any rushed decisions just because you need a job.”
Galt takes a “big picture” approach to helping their clients by broadening their skill set so they can succeed long after their relationship with the foundation. For Henry, Galt provided tutorials and tests to help him improve on his skills which he really enjoyed. He shared that Galt was “helpful in keeping me focused and making sure I got what I needed.”
The foundation managed to find him two temporary placements – both of which had a focus on public service. He enjoyed both opportunities greatly, and the second placement had also gone on to offer him a full-time position which he decided to forego for an external opportunity that came along instead.
A Regained Confidence
Currently, Henry works in a full-time position, which he had obtained independently after his second placement with Galt. However, he credits Galt for providing him with the adequate training, tools, and experiences that ultimately helped him confidently knock his interview out of the park and land the job he enjoys.
Before coming across Galt, Henry felt vulnerable, like his disability was holding him back. These insecurities weren’t an issue for Galt. Everyone at the foundation was supportive, compassionate, and wanted to contribute to his success. Of his staffing contact at Galt, Henry states, “[She] made me feel like I matter.”
Let Galt Foundation Help You
Today, Henry says with one hundred percent certainty that he would recommend Galt Foundation to others who may find themselves in similar situations. “I’m a walking billboard for Galt now,” he exclaims, and he says he would recommend the foundation because “good folks come from Galt.”
If you are an individual with a disability who needs help finding employment or know of someone who is, feel free to get in touch with the friendly associates at Galt Foundation here, or call us at 1-877-361-1277, and we’d be more than happy to help.
