Mr. M….A NEW BEGINNING

Occupation: Cashier

Mr. M. was forced out of his home country of Liberia, by a devastating civil war. He was granted refugee status by the U.S. government and with the help of Catholic Charities, he and his three children resettled in Buffalo. Mr. M. lost his right arm in an accident which occurred during the 1990 war. He also lost his beloved wife, and all his possessions.

In the spring of 2005, Mr. M. applied for VESID services. He and his counselor, Mr. Eric Locke, began to develop his vocational plan. He was next referred to Ms. Andrea Todaro, independent job developer for assistance with his job search. The team of Mr. M., Mr. Locke and Ms. Todaro worked diligently to secure employment. After a brief period of time, Mr. M. was hired by Wegman’s Food Market as a cashier. As Mr. M. was pleased with the job, his case was closed in January of 2006.

Mr. M. applied again for VESID services in spring of 2007, wishing to pursue a college education. He and his counselor Mr. Eric Locke developed his Individualize Plan for Employment (IPE). Mr. M. is currently pursuing an Associates degree at Erie County Community College and he hopes to graduate in May of 2008. He plans to pursue his Baccalaureate degree at Buffalo State College.

Mr. M. remains employed at Wegman’s Food Market where he has received numerous letters of recommendation from both managers and customers.

Mary Trzcinski, Regional Marketing Representative
Buffalo District Office