Afterwards

Although Tom was not offered a job immediately after his placement, he did find another one three months later. Once Tom finished his placement, he returned to the program and coffee shop where he took on a supervisory role. At the same time, he began his job search with Carrie's support. His goal was to find a position in the produce department of a grocery store. When a new grocery store announced a job fair, he attended and was hired on the spot. Besides Carrie's support, he also received support and encouragement from his family, and his sister accompanied him to the job fair. When Carrie visited him during his first week, he said the opening had been very stressful. Carrie emphasized that he was experiencing the same feelings as all the new employees. By the third week, he seemed more relaxed, said Carrie, and he continues to work a part–time shift (no full–time employment is available) in the afternoons and evenings in the produce department. He also continues to live at home and maintains his full disability benefits. His goal is to save enough money to move out of his parents' home and buy his own home.

Martha continued her weekly volunteering in the childcare after her placement was officially over. Her goal was to find a regular volunteer position in a childcare setting. Carrie had hoped to receive support from Martha's sister to help find a volunteer position in the community. Unfortunately, this support did not materialize and Carrie's options were limited. In order for Martha to have a successful volunteer job, she would need ongoing support. Carrie refocused and decided to ask the childcare where Martha had a placement if they would consider having her continue as a regular volunteer. The childcare agreed and Martha completed the employment preparation program, and will volunteer in the childcare without being enrolled in the program. The childcare site (located in the same building as the employment preparation program) and Carrie will provide informal support to Martha if needed.

Marion completed her placement at the discount department store without a job offer, but she had finally gained employment experience and an employment reference. She decided to return to another class in the general literacy program, a class that helps students prepare to enter one of several health care training programs in the community. Marion may face an insurmountable financial barrier when applying to any of these programs because she does not receive social assistance and will have to find a way to pay for the tuition herself. At the end of her placement she encountered a similar situation when she wanted to enter a training program for the food service industry. But she was unable to access the program, which was financed by the city's social service agency to help welfare recipients find employment. Carrie remained in contact with Marion and offered to help her find a job. Marion was also invited to join a one–day food handler's certification session for the current employment preparation students. Marion never did start her own job search and is now pregnant.