Maybell…Guidance and Counseling to Success

Occupation: Case Manager

Maybell J. is a single mother of 4, with a history of asthma and substance abuse.  Documentation of her recovery was required in order to provide VESID Vocational Rehabilitation Services. When Maybell applied for VESID services, she was employed as a prevention counselor at the Alpha School for Progressive Living. This job was in jeopardy unless she could obtain her certification as an Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC).

Isabel Gonzalez, her VESID Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and Maybell, developed an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).  One of the services on the IPE was to attend the Outreach Training Institute.   During her training, Ms. J. was in several car accidents which required her to suspend her vocational training. Throughout this crisis, VESID’s counselor maintained a counseling relationship with the consumer in which she encouraged and supported Maybell’s progress toward physical recovery.

With VESID’s guidance and support, Maybell began to network and intensify her job search.   Maybell’s job search paid off.  She was offered a job as a Case Manager at HOMEE Clinic Inc. where she currently works with adults with mental health issues.    Maybell is happy in her current position and she is back on track with her goal to complete her CASAC certification in the future.  Maybell  is also in a position to speak about her positive experience with VESID and encourage her clients, who are eligible, to apply for VESID services.

Noni Wahab, VRCA
Bronx District Office