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Taking Life One Step at a Time

When Molly Parker was two and a half years old, she lost her hearing for unknown reasons. Although she was equipped with a hearing aid, sign language, and lip-reading skills, Molly regularly dealt with people viewing her deafness as a barrier to conversing and holding jobs.

 

Molly shared, “My mom wants me to hear the world, but hearing the world is scary…people are not willing to communicate you know? I don’t want them to yell at me—just talk. I can understand what you say.” As a result, Molly was often hesitant to approach people and make small talk.

 

Molly aspires to be a graphic designer, and knows that in order to be successful, she’ll need to communicate with people effectively. In the summers of 2019, Molly served as a ReSOURCE summer intern hoping to gain job experience and become comfortable working with others.

 

At ReSOURCE, Molly helped clean and organize items in the Williston reuse store. On occasions, she also completed graphic design projects for Janice DiMeglio, our IT Manager.

 

Molly recalled, “…When I was at ReSOURCE for the first time, I actually used my major in graphic design to make some sale posters. While it’s not something big…Janice really appreciated my work…and that’s when I realized that’s what hard work is. I have put myself through hours and hours of classes to learn skills in the graphic design and production industry—and to have someone appreciate my work and recognize it…that’s amazing to me!”

 

Molly’s experience in Career Start has helped her look past her insecurities and she is now eager to be independent. Molly plans to get a driver’s license and is working with her vocational rehabilitation counselor to search for new jobs.

 

She says, “Everyone is different, and they all play their roles in life…if I work hard to get myself recognized as a hard worker, I’ll have plenty of opportunities.”

 

Molly knows her disability does not define who she is or what her abilities are. “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” she declares. “Some people think that people who are deaf aren’t able to work…but we can have a job.”

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FAQs

What is Career Start?

Career Start is a program designed for high school students to gain hands-on experience and technical skills in various departments at ReSOURCE’s Burlington or Barre locations.

High school students enrolled in school are eligible to participate in the Career Start program.

The program provides hands-on experience in ReSOURCE departments, technical skills training, and monthly personal and professional development classes.

There is a fee of $1500, but tuition is waived for qualifying Vermonters.

Departments include Customer Service & Retail, Office Administration, Computers and Electronics, Overlook Cafe, and Large Appliances, among others.

Yes, students earn a monthly stipend

Training covers Health and Wellness, Goal Setting and Achievement, Leadership Development, Career Planning, and Financial Literacy.

Interested individuals should contact ReSOURCE’s Training and Development Manager, Susan Uthmann, for enrollment details.

Interested?

Please contact:

Susan Uthmann
Training and Development Manager
[email protected]
802.857.4340

Partner Agency List

Our partners help us to provide $125,000 worth of goods to over 2,000 individuals/families in Chittenden, Lamoille, and Washington Counties, and the greater Vermont area.

  • Addison Community Action/CVOEO
  • Age Well
  • Agency of Human Services- Field Services Burlington District
  • Burlington Community Justice Center
  • Burlington Housing Authority
  • Chittendent Community Action/CVOEO
  • Clarina Howard Nichols Center
  • Committee On Temporary Shelter
  • Essex Community Justice Center
  • Howard Center Community Support Program
  • Howard Center Developmental Services
  • Howard Center School Service Program
  • Lamoille Family Center
  • Milton Family Community Center
  • Pathways Vermont- Housing First Program
  • Pathways Vermont -services for veterans and families rapid rehousing program
  • ReSOURCE
  • Safe Harbor Clinic
  • Spectrum Youth and Family Services
  • Steps to End Domestic Violence
  • The Janet S. Munt Family Room
  • U.S. Committee for refugees and Immigrants
  • U.S. Committee for refugees and Immigrants
  • Vermont Cares
  • Vermont Catholic Charities
  • Vermont Foundation of Recovery

 

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For interest in joining our program please email [email protected] to learn more about the next application cycle or any availability in become a new partner agency.

We make award decisions each December for the next calendar year and notify partners so our clients can request vouchers.

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