Success Stories
Yesterday we enjoyed an agency retreat together. All the CRIS staff spent time relaxing outside of one of the offices. It was great to see everyone eating good food (you know CRIS has the best potlucks in Columbus), playing soccer, and chatting in the shade. We took some time to tell success stories about clients we had worked with, and this was one of them...An experienced tailor by trade from Iraq, a client of ours came to the CRIS North office in search of help finding a job, any job, to help him get established in the United States. The client attended our JRA (Job Readiness Activities) class for a month in which he learned about American work culture: filling out applications and interviewing with strangers was something he had never experienced before. He was paired with an Employment Counselor who helped him apply for a variety of entry-level positions, not expecting to get any position beyond housekeeping or warehouse. On a whim, the Employment Counselor made contact with Nordstrom, hoping to find a position in a clothing department.Though the refugee spoke very basic English, the manager, who was herself an immigrant, was impressed by his eager attitude, demonstrated skills and ready smile. She lamented that most Americans have lost the skills needed for a tailor and weren’t willing to work hard. The client was hired on a part-time trial basis and in just a few weeks was hired as full-time staff, making twice minimum wage. Everyday he walked the seven mile round trip to and from work. He was eventually able to buy a car and a year and a half later he still works there. His English is improving on a daily basis, he has been given several raises, and is charming and endearing with all he meets. Given the chance, this refugee was able to re-enter his field of experience and start a new life in his new home.Allison has been working with the Emplpoyment Program for three years now and has had the priviledge of witnessing and sharing in the success of many clients as they find jobs.