When Jessica was in her early-twenties, she was struggling with alcohol and drug addictions.  She hit rock bottom when her two young children were taken away from her. Jessica didn’t have an easy path to the success that she enjoys today, but her determination to gain control of her life was rewarded in the end.

Shortly after Jessica went into treatment for her addictions, she was living in transitional housing. Jessica was receiving welfare and was feeling pressured to get a job – any job – and quick. 

“I told my case manager that I did not want a minimum wage job,” says Jessica.  “I told them you have to send me to school because $7.00 an hour isn’t good enough.”

Seattle Jobs Initiative had been established a couple years prior, and in the fall of 1999, Jessica was able to enroll in the Office Occupations program.  She learned many new skills that were applicable to a job in an office, but perhaps the most important component was the self-esteem building nature of the program.

“The people at SJI focused on the positive and made each student aim for the best,” says Jessica.   She also recounts the accountability built into the program.  “SJI made you show up every day at a certain time, and wear work-appropriate clothing, and learn how to interact in a business-environment.  It made me responsible, and I gained stability, which eventually helped me get my kids back.”

Jessica was able to land an office manager position at a local furniture company, where she received benefits and was eventually making $18.00 per hour.  A stable income allowed her to focus on saving money for a car and a house, and in June of 2004, Jessica was able to purchase her first home. 

“It wasn’t easy but I made it,” says Jessica.  “And sometimes I still can’t believe it.”

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