Wanda Kimbrough Cutler Achievement Award Story

Wanda Kimbrough’s Story

Hello, my name is Wanda Kimbrough and Sarah Lind is my Employment Counselor. I have not had a job for 13 years. I was diagnosed with MDD (Manic Depressive Disorder), Anxiety, and Migraines. My condition was so severe that I attempted suicide twice. I was able to earn my BSW in 2016, and my MSW this year. I also have a nonprofit program that I completed since I started in the Ticket to Work Program. Sarah has helped me through some very trying times since I started in the Ticket to Work Program. Every time I talked to Sarah, I felt more and more confident that I can do this.

Sarah has helped me overcome my fears when it comes to applying for a job, interviewing for a job, and following up after an interview. I had never felt comfortable with asking an employer questions during an interview, but now I have no hesitation. I never knew my worth, especially when it came to my worth as an employee. I am now confident enough to negotiate salaries if I feel that it is not enough for my qualifications.

A few weeks ago, I received an offer for employment at Professional Counseling Inc. After my second day of orientation, I was informed that the company was downsizing, and they had to let me go. I was devastated. All I could do at that moment was cry. I felt so many emotions, but oddly anger was not one of them. In the short time that I have been working with Sarah, she always lets me know that I am okay. With that in mind. I immediately called Sarah after leaving the job. I was crying uncontrollably, but she was able to understand what I was saying. After talking to Sarah, I felt much better, so I thought. A day or so later, I found myself in bed for days and I did not know why. Well, I finally decided to call Sarah to let her know what I was going through. Sarah explained to me that what I was feeling was normal, and I was grieving from the loss of my job that only lasted two days.  She discussed the effects of grief with me and it made so much sense to me. I was back up and ready to get back on the task of job hunting thanks to Sarah. I recently found out that Still Waters lost its accreditation, which explains why I had to go through what I went through with them.

I have been offered employment with another company, and I am awaiting a start date since I have an “all clear” with my background check. Had it not been for Sarah, I truly think I would have given up on job hunting.

I wish more people knew about My Employment Options because the counselors there do so much more than what their job description says on paper. Thank you for this opportunity.