Photo Credit: Chris Bennett

40 Stories for 40 Years – Profilee 5

In the fall of 2005, Danielle was working at a call center as a trainer.  When her job unexpectedly shifted to only working on the phones, she began to wonder if it was time for a change.  Her sons were 5 and 3 years old at the time. As a single mom, she was hesitant to leave her job. Even though she was nervous, Danielle knew she needed something that would support both her family and her professional growth.  This caused her to make the scariest decision of her life – to leave her job to find another.

After several months of unsuccessful job searching, Danielle enrolled in a career planning class offered by New Ventures Maine (then known as Women, Work, and Community).  Through the class, Danielle learned that she had many transferrable skills from her previous jobs that also matched her interests. It was a matter of finding the right employer.

“During the class, the instructor approached me with a classified ad in the local paper and asked me if I had considered applying. I told her I had not. I didn’t think that I had the required qualifications. She encouraged me to apply and helped me tailor my resume and cover letter to that specific opportunity. The instructor was invaluable in helping me translate my skills into what they were looking for,” Danielle shares.

After applying, Danielle became the Executive Assistant at Western Maine Community Action, in May 2006. She explains, “I would not have even applied for that job without the assistance and support of NVME. I’m still working for WMCA and have expanded my professional horizons there in my new role as a Data Specialist. I have a stable job at an agency I am proud to work for and have had the opportunity to further develop and learn new skills. Getting this job meant more than a steady paycheck – it was my opportunity to make my own future rather than have it dictated to me. I owe it to NVME for helping me get there.”