I was born here in Washington D.C. I completed 12th grade and started to work July 4, 1966 at the Dept.of Commerce as a clerk typist. Ambitious as I am I only stayed there for about two years. From there I went into the Dept. of Human Resources where I became an Assistant Social Worker. My work was going very well, and after about a year I became a social service represent-tative. I had to take a number of classes like computer training, interview skills, office and service skills. I stayed there until 1987.

That year I needed money to send my oldest son to college, so I left the job and drew my retirement in a lump sum. My husband was a fireman and cab driver, so I could be a stay-at-home mom. I had idle time, and that’s when my addiction started. I was spending time with friends who were into drugs and got into it myself. I would take odd jobs here and there, working as a cashier at a gas station, a food preparer at another restaurant, a greeter at Black Eyed Pea and as a waitress at IHOP. That’s when I completely shut down and didn’t work at all because my addiction had progressed so far.

One day the water and gas got turned off. In time I lost my husband and my house, but that didn’t even do it. Eventually I saw the pain I was going through. I couldn’t get the high I once had. It was hard for me to get the $8. I was just functioning. My feeling started to come back. I was embarrassed. Grandchildren were starting to be born and I wasn’t interacting with them. I could only imagine what they looked like, how they were.
In August, 2003 a police officer asked me if I wanted help. He took me to PG Hospital and filled out some papers. I called Avery Road every day until they had a vacancy. It took me a month. On September 17, 2003 I checked myself into Avery Road and started my recovery, and I haven’t looked back. In March I came to Samaritan Inns and they made an appoint-ment for me to go to Jubilee Jobs orient-tation. I received my first job from Jubilee on April 16, 2004.

What job was that?
I was a stock person at Restaurant Associates (a food service at the Smithsonian). It was the first interview I went on and they offered me the job. I’m still there. April 16 made it two years. I started as a stock person, stocking food. I was always given awards and recognition for keeping the place clean, but I wanted something a little stronger. Then I got promoted. Now I’m a cashier that handles thousands of dollars. That increases my resume a great length. I don’t know where it’s taking me, but I know it’s a place that I need to be and want to be. I have health benefits, vision, dental, I get a two-week vacation, and this company does have room for growth into management.

Tell us what kind of employee you are.
I’m striving for perfection. The job requires perfection. My cash drawer can’t be short. If it is, they think I’m taking money. If I’m over, that means I cheated somebody, and I take that seriously! I’m always prompt. I try to be there 45 minutes ahead of time in case they need help, in case someone didn’t come in. I think ahead. I continue to want to do an excellent job. I have to be helpful, considerate, understanding, kind. I make sure I get proper rest and proper food so I’m cheerful. I shine my shoes, keep my uniform clean, and then at the end of the day I say, “Thank you, Lord. We did this.”

What do you like most about your job?
Interacting with people is number one. People from all over the world come in and I can ask them about where they come from. Working independently is great! I feel something good is happening in my life; a second chance is coming back for me. I like the trust the job gives me. They trust me to handle this money, and that’s really impor-tant for me because in my addiction I was so untrusted. I feel I’m giving something back. Because of me this company is making money, it’s growing. I love helping people. The helping part is back in my life.

What is the hardest part of your job?
Making sure the money is right, that my drawer is correct. That’s tough. I also work around a lot of young people, and that’s where I need patience! I need to tell them, “You can’t be wearing your walkman at work. You can’t just stop and talk. You have to constantly work your 8 hours. They pay us by the minute, so they expect us to be working every minute unless we’re on break.” They’ll come to me and ask me things, and that makes me feel good. I feel like I’m back in leadership. My self-esteem is becoming very strong.

How much are you making?
I was making $8.75 when I first took the job, now I’m making $9.42 and I hope to get word of a raise today. I get a raise every 6 months and they haven’t denied it to me yet.

What’s the next step for you?
Security is very important to me, so I’d like to have retirement benefits. I’ve thought about going back into the government, doing some desk work. I’ve been on my feet for a while. Now it’s time to sit back down. To do that I would need to go to school for training.

You’re on the Applicant Advisory Board. Talk about what that means to you.
I want to be an example. I’m 59 years old and I still work in a strenuous job. I want to show older people they can do it! It doesn’t even have to be for payment. It can be volunteer. My purpose is to serve, to be a servant. It’s a good feeling for me! Giving back, being there for others…those things are important to me.

You’re also involved in a Spiritual Support Group. What has that experience been like for you?
It has brought me closer to God, and being closer to the Lord, I can feel that I’m a changed person. I’m not a vindictive person anymore. I feel much more serenity with myself. We’re asked to spend at least 15 minutes a day with God, so I’m praying on the bus or in the street. I’m listening to other people’s problems. I’ve picked up reading. My Thursday is so important to me! Nothing will get in the way of me and my group on Thursdays. I’m learning to live off of faith. When God says He’s got you, He’s got you. I strongly believe that being connected with others is my calling. I used to say, “I want it yesterday.” Now I can say, “Whenever you want it, Lord.” It’s really nice to go somewhere where people are glad to see you, and you’re glad to see them. That Thursday helps with the job, it helps with the husband, my whole life.