Hannah is a single mom who was concerned about her daughter Elsie who was experiencing difficulties in daycare.
Hannah connected with resources from the Family Opportunity Program, a program that provides options to achieve self-sufficiency for families who have a child with a disability. Hannah learned that Elsie had autism. She enrolled her in autism behavior therapy, where she has made great strides for the past few years and has started kindergarten. This enabled Hannah to move from her current job and begin her search for employment that would provide opportunities for growth and stability.
Hannah has found what she needed as a career navigator in the very place where she sought help. She knows how scared she was when seeking services, and she is confident that her own experiences have given her the empathy and understanding to work with other families.
“When Hannah came to us, she knew she needed to be a working mom to a child with behavioral needs. We were so impressed with Hannah from the beginning that we immediately thought of her when a position opened. It really resonates with a family to have someone working with them who has had the same experiences,” said Emily Garvin, who is the program manager.
“Easterseals Crossroads helped me gain the confidence to be brave and focus on the services that I needed. As an employee, I can advocate for families; I can help them just like someone helped me,” said Hannah.
