Workforce System Success Stories - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

MEET SHELBY...

Her recovery journey led Shelby to a career helping others overcome similar challenges to employment.

Shelby was first connected to Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS) through a referral from her case manager at the local Department of Social Services (DSS). Her DSS case manager encouraged her to meet with FCWS staff, who could help her upgrade her skills and search for a better job.

Shelby was glad she followed the case manager’s advice: she was pleased and surprised to learn that, in addition to a wide range of other career services FCWS offered, they had a program explicitly organized to assist those in recovery called Resilient Frederick County (RFC). Being nearly two and half years sober, Shelby worked at Weis Markets for minimum wage as a single mother. She was taking the bus to and from work and her daughter’s daycare daily. Just getting by was a struggle. Shelby knew she needed to focus on building a career to support her family, but thinking about reconnecting to school made her feel paralyzed. She thought she had wasted her opportunity to earn a college degree when she dropped out during active addiction. The RFC program helped her get a new lease on her dreams.

Through the RFC program, Shelby participated in the Recovery to Work Academy. She completed six months of modules that taught her skills for gaining and retaining employment in a professional work setting while balancing her recovery. She also attended a 3-week business communications class at the local community college. Shelby then engaged in a transitional work experience as an Administration and Communication Assistant, where she put her newfound confidence and skills into action. While participating in the RFC program, Shelby also secured a car from Second Chances Garage and was assisted in researching options to complete her bachelor’s degree.

As Shelby finishes her year in the RFC program, she will also complete her last class to earn her college degree in Communications from Salisbury University! But her success story doesn’t end there. She has also accepted a position as a Job Specialist II with Maryland’s Department of Labor, and will be working to help other Marylanders get back to work!

Looking back on her experience, Shelby says, “There are so many people willing to help, so many programs established to help those of us who want to live our lives differently in recovery. But it doesn’t happen all at once. It’s an ongoing journey that takes time and effort every day. The best opportunities I found have been entirely unexpected, and the RFC program is most definitely at the top of the list! Working with someone understanding and non-judgmental makes all the difference.”