27 Sep “It Doesn’t Feel Like Work at All”

CITC’s Supported Work Experience brings Crystal Andrews full circle

For Crystal Andrews, hosting a table at CITC’s annual fall Job Fair this September was a full-circle moment. As a recruiting coordinator with Denali Staffing Group, she came to the job fair to help connect people to potential careers.

Only a short time ago, she was the one looking for work.

“I started experiencing a health problem, and I had to quit the current job that I had. I started going to the hospital and everything—and I was like, oh no, I still need to support myself,” she said.

Crystal had sought support at CITC in the past; she had previously received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). At that time, though, she was in the middle of her addiction.

“I would end up just dropping out of the TANF program and trying to figure things out on my own,” she recalled.

Now eight years sober, Crystal believes that the aliment affecting her health actually helped her become successful. “I was not able to just go and get a job; I had to look for something that was suitable [for my situation].”

Crystal connected with CITC’s Supported Work Experience, a program that matches job-seekers with employers and pays for 80 hours of that employee’s salary per pay period. The program provides an opportunity for individuals to gain on-the-job experience and get a foot in the door with a prospective employer.

Crystal got her foot in the door with Denali Staffing Group. She started there as a receptionist. Meanwhile, as part of her TANF requirements, she also began attending CITC’s Life Skills workshops, where she learned about budgeting, stress management, communication, and other useful topics. Soon, she moved up to a coordinator position.

This month, Crystal will finish her Supported Work Experience. After that, she’ll transition to a full-time position as an office lead at Denali Staffing Group. As part of her duties, she’ll continue to organize the staffing service’s appearances at job fairs, like the one held at CITC on September 20.

“Now I have direction and purpose. I love waking up in the morning; I look forward to the day,” she said. “All my family, from my kids, my grandchild, my mother, my grandmother are so happy for this job, which to me is a career, not a regular job.  It doesn’t feel like work at all.”

Transform your career with the Supported Work Experience! Learn more here. Or make an appointment to talk with our Career Development department today. Find out about CITC’s next Job Fairs by following us on Facebook.