Lauren

My job title is Individual Development Specialist, a combination of a job coach and case manager. I have been in this position since September 2011.

My work involves providing career coaching and generalized case management services for individuals who have just become employed to ensure progress is made towards economic self-sufficiency. I also work to make sure that any newly employed issues and concerns are met with one-on-one assistance. I work with these individuals for 12 months, until they are celebrated in our organization for their one year retention on the job.

What I like about my job is having the opportunity to see people transform and socially climb right before my eyes. From assisting a young mother with her entrance into college (as the first member of her entire family to do so and thus beginning a legacy) to watching an individual reach a year in their recovery and obtain their first job in ten years--these are all scenarios that bring me great joy.

In the future, I would like to take my workforce development and direct service experience and work primarily with a formerly incarcerated population. At the heart of many challenges to employment is the red tape entanglement for individuals who may have made mistakes many years ago and are unable to make a positive impact on society through the social framework we have in this country that is established primarily upon employment. I'm interested in the policy-oriented side of it and the idea of lobbying on a legislative level, but I am also interested in advocacy and working with corporate employment partners in the scope of educating (and debunking) on topics like types of offenses, recidivism, and the abilities and talents inherent to the formerly incarcerated population.

Organization

The Cara Program: The Cara Program prepares and inspires motivated individuals to break the cycles of homelessness and poverty, transform their lives, strengthen our communities, and forge paths to real and lasting success. Since 1991, The Cara Program has placed more than 3,000 individuals into full-time,… More