Geraldine Wallace has confronted many challenges on her path to a brighter future. She struggled early on as a result of being born with congenital glaucoma and yet she was never discouraged. She lost her right eye in 1973 which led her to seek services through the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI). That’s when Geraldine’s path led her to VGS.
With limited eyesight in remaining eye, Geraldine knew that she could not give up and that she did not want to rely on others to take care of her. She started in Sewing Training and Manufacturing Training programs at VGS. She was hired at VGS, working in the contract shop manufacturing Doby Pads. She was eventually laid off due to the loss of the contract. Geraldine refused to give up. She volunteered at several organizations throughout the city during her time away from work. But that wasn’t enough. She got back in touch with VGS and was able to return to work in the contract shop. “I like working at VGS,” said Geraldine. “I wanted to come back because I knew that I could work and I wanted to work at VGS.”
Geraldine’s commitment and determination has helped her to overcome barriers on her pathway to success and employment in the VGS Sewing Department.
Geraldine has participated in the success of several AbilityOne sewing projects; including the production of Armed Forces dress uniform slacks and skirts. She is also proficient on the surging machine and is currently working in the packaging area where she folds the garments and places them into storage bags to be packed and shipped. She has to rely on touch and feel to perform her job.
Inspirational people should not go unnoticed and in 2008 Geraldine won the NISH North Central Region William M. Usdane Award. This award recognizes an individual with a severe disability who has exhibited outstanding achievement and exception character within the AbilityOne workplace.
Because of her dedication, Geraldine has flourished in an environment where there change is constant as new procedures and techniques are always being introduced. She never complains, just digs in and tries her best to learn her duties and to get the job done right. Despite her barriers, Geraldine truly believes that all skills are attainable.
Geraldine is in the process of getting her GED and she still finds time to volunteer at a local hospital and an area food bank. Geraldine has a bright spirit and although at first she may seem shy, she believes in helping others. She presents herself as an example of what individuals with barriers can do. Geraldine has worked extremely hard to overcome circumstances that would have discouraged anyone else. Above all, she keeps going, despite the fact that her eyesight and hearing are failing. Geraldine doesn’t see her disability as an insurmountable challenge. She merely looks at it as a hurdle she must overcome on her pathway to a brighter future.
Dwight Tuttle
Dwight Tuttle is a U.S. Army veteran, trained as a Supply Clerk and Wireman. Never in a million years would he have thought that he would have to learn how to functional all over again. But that is exactly what happened in 1989 when Dwight suffered a stroke that affected the entire left side of his body.
In the months to come, he had to endure grueling therapy to regain most of his motor skills. He was very discouraged and thought he may never be able to put his life back together. Gainful employment was out of the question as far as he was concerned.
That is until he was referred to Vocational Guidance Services through the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Dwight was entered into the Work Evaluation program where his instructor, Kim Bass, worked with him to explore job possibilities and transferable skills. She was helpful in finding a new direction for him since his stroke and encouraged him to explore employment in the customer service field. Dwight was then placed in the Customer Service/Call Center Training Program with Glenn Bowers. Dwight attributes Glenn with being instrumental in keeping him focused and helping him throughout training. Initially he was unsure about doing telemarketing and customer service, but through the support of his Placement Consultant Cindy Carleton, Dwight was placed at Preferred Marketing.
Within a year, Dwight moved from his position as a telemarketer to one as the assistant manager of the call center. Dwight is extremely thankful to VGS and feels he has overcome many obstacles because of the tremendous encouragement and assistance he received.
Florence Miller
Florence miller came to Vocational Guidance Services without hope. She had been diagnosed with depression and health concerns revolving around a ten year injury which affected the use of her upper neck, back, wrist and hands. While dealing with these injuries, she became despondent due to her condition and her inability to find suitable employment.
The Maintenance Program at VGS gave Florence the confidence and push she needed to get her life back on track. When asked about the program she stated, “The Maintenance Program and Mr. Nunn (her instructor) gave me the encouragement and confidence to compete with an all male class, which in turn prepared me to deal with an all male workforce. The hands on training and interaction with VGS staff gave me the confidence I needed to get back into the employment cycle.”
Florence is now happily employed with K&D Management and works in the apartment maintenance department. Her duties include suite preparation for 100 assigned suites, repairs in plumbing and electrical as well as the installation of kitchen cabinets and granite tops. She is prsently earning a good wage with medical benefits and a 401K plan. When asked to sum up her experience with VGS, Florence said, “I have regained my self-esteem – I feel more confident and secure. It feels great ot get up, go to work and come home tired. I feel independent.”. That is the beauty of VGS’ mission of “Preparing People with Barriers to Employment for a Brighter Future.”
