REBECCA …Volunteering To Success

Occupation: Public Relations

It is hard to believe that Rebecca has been working at her government public relations job for less than a year.  Her job duties are to coordinate media contact and provide positive information regarding the agency to the press.  In addition, she coordinates community events that her agency participates in. It seems that Rebecca has found her perfect job match; however, it was not an easy road getting there.  It took Rebecca over 2 years, 42 interviews and the submission of her resume to hundreds of employers before she landed this job!  

Rebecca was diagnosed with a seizure disorder at the age of seventeen. In 2004, she was successfully working for a major financial institution when she had a seizure at work.  She was dismissed from her job two days later. Rebecca then applied for Social Security Disability benefits where she was informed about VESID.  Having a Masters degree in Public Communications, as well as her previous work experiences, she believed that she had a lot to offer an employer and wanted VESID’s assistance in getting a job.  In February 2005, Rebecca began working with Ms. Joan Smith a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor who specializes in job placement. Rebecca’s Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor coordinated Rebecca’s services and she was referred for placement services at Rusk Institute, a rehabilitation program.   Rusk Institute was able to help her create an effective resume and fine tune her interviewing skills. In addition she participated in a job-seeking skills group where she not only received support, but also proved herself to be a wonderful mentor to the other group members.

While searching for a job, Rebecca volunteered with the American Red Cross as a public affairs specialist.  She was deployed by the American Red Cross to Baton Rouge, LA and Broward County, FL during responses to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, as well as to Massachusetts during their massive flooding.  Rebecca believes that the hands-on experience she received was invaluable and greatly contributed to her success in landing her present job. Because of all her volunteer experience, Rebecca was referred for a government job in the spring of 2007.  During the interview, it was determined that she was overqualified; however, there was an additional job vacancy in the public affairs division that was more appropriate for her level of expertise.  She landed that job and is now working full time earning over $50,000 per year with wonderful benefits. Knowing the uphill battle she faced, Rebecca plans to use her position and personal experiences to advocate for increased inclusion of individuals with disabilities within the Federal workforce.  Rebecca’s determination and drive propelled her towards reaching her goals.  It was not always an easy journey, but watching her perform at her job makes you believe that it was all worth it.

Rachel Astalos, Regional Marketing Representative
Manhattan District Office