Success Stories
MEC has successfully helped many people find and keep jobs. Read our success stories and recognize that finding a good career fit is possible with the help of MEC.
Meet Sue
(Senior Data Operator – Blue Cross/Blue Shield MN)
After being laid off from her Northwest Airlines job of 15 years, Sue contacted MEC for assistance in her job search. MEC staff assisted Sue in developing a new career plan and finding a job that matched her skills and interests. Sue proved to be the perfect fit for the Senior Data Operator position at Blue Cross/Blue Shield. She now performs from 115 to 146 percent of her work goals across the board, peaking at 187 percent. MEC helped with her new job training and with establishing communication systems with coworkers. MEC regularly follows up with Sue and her employers to ensure all continues to go well.
Meet Pam
(Operations Clerk II – Wells Fargo)
Upon returning to the Twin Cities from living out of state, Pam realized she would need assistance in finding a good job. Her Vocational Rehabilitation Services counselor referred Pam to MEC for career planning, job placement and coaching, and follow-up services. With assistance from MEC staff, Pam now works for Wells Fargo in downtown Minneapolis processing business bank loan applications, where she has won several awards for her work. Her advice to other people who are looking for work is to set your goals high, look for a job that will really challenges and interests you, and be patient!
Meet James
(Maintenance Worker – Brighter Building Maintenance Co.)
Out of work for more than two years, James was referred to the MEC program by his Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitation Services counselor. James had several job tryouts before interviewing for and being hired by Brighter Building in July 2005. His new workplace offered good team communication and understanding of Deaf culture because other work crew members are deaf and supervisors understand some ASL. James works Monday through Friday, although during a large remodeling project, his hours were extended. “I like keeping busy, so I liked the extra work,” said James.
Meet Ade
(Chef – Hilton Garden Inn)
Ade, a native of Nigeria, loves his chef job at Hilton Garden Inn, where the menu features a pasta dish named after him. Despite the language and communication challenges, he is an award-winning member of the Hilton staff. Ade was even featured in an article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, which highlighted his great work and the support he receives from MEC. He uses a system of notes, gestures, and lip-reading to communicate with his coworkers. Guests especially enjoy his made-to-order omelets, which Ade likes to deliver to the table in person.
Meet Yoonis
(Cashier – Home Depot)
Yoonis, who is still learning ASL, immigrated from Somali in 2000 and is now working as a cashier at Home Depot. His MEC Occupational Communication Specialist (OCS) developed a detailed cashier training book for Yoonis, complete with step-by-step instructions and illustrations. Now that Yoonis knows the ins and outs of his position, MEC can re-use the customized training book with others hired as cashiers. MEC regularly meets with Yoonis and his supervisors to ensure that the job continues going well.
Meet Trang, Bao, and Asho
(Backroom Attendants – T.J. Maxx)
Trang, Bao, and Asho all came to work part-time at T.J. Maxx with the help of their MEC Occupational Communication Specialist (OCS), who found them jobs in the community that matched their skills and interests. Once hired at T.J. Maxx, MEC assisted the three women in learning their job duties and addressed any communication issues. Now they process, tag, hang, and prepare clothing for the store floor from their individual work stations in the backroom. MEC also proudly helped Asho obtain American citizenship and continues to follow-up on their progress.
Meet Ellen
(Retail Stocker – Home Goods)
Looking for a career change, Ellen sought out MEC career guidance and job placement services. Her MEC Occupational Communication Specialist (OCS) coordinated a job try-out at Home Goods and they were very impressed with her job performance, which lead to her hire. MEC helped the Home Goods’ managers with Ellen’s on-the-job training and continued to follow-up once a week to make sure that things were going well. Given her success on the job, MEC now only visits twice a month.
If you want to be our next success story or if you’d like to make someone’s dream job a reality, contact us today!