“Resource Wednesdays,” is an opportunity for HCDI residents to receive one-on-one guidance to connect with jobs, training, and other resources — in order to improve their quality of life and achieve their goals. Lydia Melendez, an HCDI resident who had been a personal care assistant for her mother for years, utilized this program over the summer after her mother passed away and she was out of work.
“I didn’t know what was next. I was physically and emotionally lost,” she said about her state of mind after her mother passed in June. Though PCA jobs were available, they were physically demanding, and she was hoping for a new path with a more sustainable future and career. “I saw the fliers for the one-on-one sessions with Gladys, and I thought — Oh!”
Melendez’s first session with Gladys Lebron-Martinez, HMR Resident Engagement Manager, was in mid-July. She was connected with people and programs that could help. That program combined with her work ethic and determination helped her to navigate the tricky unemployment terrain and successfully land a job by October, one that was well paid and a great fit.
Melendez appreciated the program and guidance, but, she cautioned to others that might be interested, you still have to do the work. “With Gladys, she told me what to do and I did it — done, done, — that’s what I did.”
Lebron-Martinez believes that one of the reasons people get low paying jobs is because of low confidence levels, another hurdle is not knowing how to access various resources. This program tackles those issues with one-to-one tailored guidance in short sessions to help navigate the often complex hurdles people need to jump to make progress.
Lebron-Martinez connected Melendez with unemployment, as well as resources like a laptop for job searches. She also connected Melendez with MassHire resources and seminars. Though there were some starts and stops through the summer, Melendez accepted a job offer in early October, that she feels is a great fit – it’s well paid, not physically demanding, and it has plenty of variety in the day to day to keep her interested and motivated. For now, she is looking forward to the stability and a steady routine, and in the future, she hopes to go back to school to learn something new and have opportunity for growth in her new career.
“Some people are afraid to go after these resources because they think they will lose their benefits,” Melendez noted. She knows that it’s difficult for single parents because she was one herself. “Sometimes you have to put things on the scale and take your chances.” She is grateful for the help and the opportunities that lay ahead of her, and encourages others, as she believes the benefits far outweigh the risks.
For more information about Resource Wednesdays contact Gladys Lebron-Martinez at 413-348-2768 or glebronmartinez@hmrproperties.com.