Success Stories

Lisa Seeley's Story

Lisa Seeley, Work-at-Home Job counselor — Lisa Seeley

I suffered from agoraphobia since the age of 13. Crowds and open spaces we very difficult for me to handle. Getting through high school was quite a challenge, but I succeeded and earned my diploma. After high school, I hit rock bottom in my life. I had to move into a group home due to the fact that my mom and I didn’t know how to deal with my agoraphobia. I was lucky to be able to receive SSDI and receive the treatments I needed to get myself healthy again. I always knew I wanted to work and feel productive in life. I wanted to help people in situations like my own. I was determined to start looking for work.

After being able to move back home, I looked into the Ticket to Work program and received my list of Employment Networks from Maximus. I found Employment Options and reluctantly called Sheika, in Customer service/screening. I was quite nervous talking to her, but it was a piece of cake. I started to feel like – I can do this. I then spoke with Flora and gave her my work background. I told her that I had experience as a Vocational Counselor and also in Work from home. Paula then wanted to speak with me. By the grace of God, she hired me with Employment Options!Working again has given me such a new outlook on life. Working makes me feel productive- helping others with disabilities has been a dream of mine especially since I can put myself in my clients’ shoes. There is no bigger reward for me then to get my clients back to work. Working makes me feel empowered.

I do not suffer any longer from Agoraphobia. I actually travel to Florida for work meetings and look forward to the trips. Working makes me feel proud. Paula has helped me grow and become the Job Counselor that I am today. With the help of Employment Options, I live my life to the fullest. I am now married with two small children of my own, run a household while being able to work from home. I am so lucky to have found Employment Options and have the chance to give back to others. I would not have the wonderful life I have without having the courage to go back to work. Thanks to Employment Options and the Ticket to Work program for changing my life!

Read more of our Success Stories here or submit your own!

I am so thankful for employment options. They helped me find my current job. After not working since 2005, they helped find a job to work from home and I am so thankful to Suzanne Cutler for all her help — Lori

Another huge thank you for doing this for me! I promise to work hard and do you proud…. I am so glad that I turned on Fox and Friends just in time to hear about MyEmploymentOptions.com It has been the most pleasant, positive experience I have had in quite awhile. Again, my sincerest appreciation! — Patti

Thank you for all the support you have extended to me during my employment through Employment Options. I wish you the very best always. Don’t be sad. I promise you I am okay! After working for 36 years total, it’s time for me to retire anyway. Also, thanks Paula for the wonderful organization she has established for those of us who, while not 100% mobile, still have useful abilities in a work place. I wish her increasing success going forward. — Colleen

Thanks for this experience. (virtual job fair) I was able to connect with two Employers I also sent in the results from my PX check, just waiting on the next step from the Employer. Thanks again. — Kimberly

Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. I was able to connect with two employers through the chat room. A virtual job fair was the first for me and I had not done much as far as using chat rooms. Your instructions were clear and easy to use. Thanks again. — Donna

Thank you My Employment Options for all of your help. I have never been to a virtual Job Fair and I was very nervous. Your people were there all day encouraging and helping me while I was checking out the businesses. I applied to one of them and it looks very positive that I may be starting in just a couple of weeks. I appreciate all of your help and encouragement. I am disabled and I cannot get out into the work force any longer so working from home is my only option. Thank you all again!”—Terrie

I just wanted to inform you that I was hired to work at home and my first day of training was yesterday. I’m so excited! Everyone that I’ve come in contact with is so upbeat and nice. They all seem to love their job and that’s exactly what I’m looking forward to…..loving my career. I want to thank you for your time, effort and persistence in finding me a job. Thanks again, Ms. Ethel. God bless. —Debra

Emma's Success Story

For many years, Emma worked as a customer service associate to help provide for her family. Life was going well for some time, then suddenly her life fell apart. She lost her husband after 30 years and then became very ill. She was forced to apply for Social Security disability benefits but still needed to find work.

Emma did her own research about the Ticket to Work program and found Employment Options. She applied online and was then assigned a job counselor, who helped with resume writing, interview practice, and everything needed to prepare Emma to return to the workforce.

At 52, Emma is a much healthier, happier, and independent woman working as a Customer Service Representative for a national Work at Home employer. She was able to use her previous work history to get hired. Emma is grateful for her job and new accomplishments. What a great example of perseverance and using the Ticket to Work program to become more independent and self-sufficient … way to go Emma!

Emma’s personally written story

“If it wasn’t for the endless effort of my job counselor, Sandy Darnell, I don’t think I would have been able to take the steps needed to get back into the workforce. She worked with me nonstop and slowly rebuilt my self-esteem. She spoke with me over the phone often and sent me emails with exercises that I could practice, to ready myself for entry into the workforce. Finally, when she thought I was ready, she sent me jobs to apply for. I was terrified to face this process again, including applying for a job, doing the interview and selling myself to the prospective employer; but I did it – with her help.

I applied for the first job she sent me and three days later – I got the job! I was ecstatic! I called Sandy immediately and she was so proud of me. Now at the age of 52, I feel once again that I am a healthy functioning, working woman. Thanks Sandy and Employment Options for all of your help!” -Emma