Smart, talented individuals need more than just job skills and technical training to become self-reliant. It’s so important to have hope! It costs nothing to give people a sense that they can accomplish their goals – but that critical support is priceless.
That was absolutely the case for a teen we worked with last year. Mayra Valerino, 18, had just graduated from high school in San Miguel, El Salvador, and wanted to find a job to help support her family. She had the talent, education and skills to meet the worthy goal she’d set, but Mayra was discouraged after she applied for work but didn’t hear back from potential employers.
Haven’t we all been in this situation at one time or another? At Cause for Hope, we’re able to help people in Mayra’s situation by providing the encouragement they need to pursue their goals. Sometimes, all it takes is the right word and useful advice of a caring teacher, mentor, friend, family member or trusted advisor to inspire people to stay the course.
In Mayra’s case, we were able to step in with the support she needed to earn success. Our staff helped Mayra to make an action plan for her job search. We also let her know that a job search often requires a full time commitment. These are the types of insights and encouragement that everyone can use – we just shared what we knew with someone who needed to hear it at the right time!
We are so pleased to report that Mayra continued her job search. After only a week, three companies called her to schedule interviews and she was offered work at each company. She was able to choose which job to take and has met her goal of earning an income that will help to support her family.
Mayra said that Cause for Hope made all the difference. “I learned that these are experiences that we all need. Thank you Cause for Hope Foundation for all [of] the help I received with my resume, the workshops training and encouragement you gave me to find a job. I feel useful, now I can help my mother with the household expenses and I can save. I want to continue studying a degree in English. I have learned that with all your efforts and persistence you can achieve what you want in life.”
We invite you to learn more about the success of good, hardworking people like Mayra by visiting Cause for Hope online.