Iris Kremer started working at age 13. When she became unemployed 30 years later, she thought it was no big deal. In the past finding a new job had not been a big deal. Unfortunately, times had changed and Iris found she was unable to find employment.
“At first, it was no big deal (so I thought) because finding a job is no big deal,” says Iris. “I was wrong, very wrong. After not being able to regain employment as quickly as I had believed something inside of me changed. I started to realize how much of my self-worth was connected to my job. When I got to the point where I had to apply for public assistance because I could no longer afford to feed myself, I felt I had reached rock bottom. Little did I know that it was the beginning of an upward journey!”
Iris began to see things turn around after joining the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training program with Workforce Solutions Capital Area. Once she starting attending job readiness workshops and working with her Career Counselor Raquel Carbary, Iris began to understand that job search methods and techniques have changed – and that she was not alone in this search.
Within a few weeks, Iris began to get calls for interviews. She began to feel more knowledgeable and empowered. She says this experience has taught her humility, patience, and self-acceptance.
“When Iris first came in to the SNAP program, she almost looked lost, and without hope,” says Raquel Carbary. ” But once Iris started taking control of her job search and the options available to her, she picked herself up, applied to more jobs, interviewed, and got hired!”
Iris has inspired her Career Counselor and the Workforce Solutions team in the resource room. Her bright disposition always brightened the day, regardless of her circumstances.
Raquel continues, “Iris is a great example of how someone who feels like they have lost it all and don’t know what else to do, who then followed the steps that were put in front of her. She is extremely happy at her job and so happy to be back on track in life!”
Iris has returned to the medical field, working for ‘Specially for Children in a customer service senior position.
“I am very excited about this position because it will give me many opportunities to excel and grow,” says Iris. “We are an outpatient clinical service where children follow up with specialty physicians such as rheumatology, endocrine and so on. The clinic is expanding and growing and I am looking forward to being a part of that.”
About the SNAP E&T Program
SNAP E&T is a no-cost employment program designed to give SNAP (food stamp) recipients the assistance and support they need to find a job. Based on available funding, SNAP E&T can provide:
- Job search assistance including job referrals
- Support services such as transportation assistance, crisis and work-related expenses
- Job skills assessment
- Career counseling and planning
- Training in basic and occupational skills
- Work experience
- Referrals to other community services
The SNAP E&T program is only available to SNAP (food stamp) recipients. Eligibility for SNAP is determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). For more information about the SNAP (food stamp) program including eligibility requirements and how you can apply, please visit the HHSC website.
If you are a current SNAP (food stamp) recipient and want to learn more about SNAP E&T, please visit www.wfscapitalarea.com.
