28 Jul Masako’s Story
Masako entered the extended program housing at Transitions in March of 2016. As a resource actively engaged in moving individuals into stable and permanent housing, Transitions partners with 45+ community organizations to provide the expertise and services that our clients need to achieve and sustain an independent life in our community.
As one of those partners, the SC Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) works with Transitions to offer the Back To Work program. An intensive six-week employment boot camp, BTW provides the guidance and soft skills training our clients need to become and remain independent.
While Masako’s journey from homelessness has certainly been a long and arduous one, her journey from Transitions to employment has not. Since entering Transitions in March, she has completed the BTW program, attended the Career Education & Employment Training Program offered by the Midlands Community Development Corporation, and landed a job.
Hard work and determination paid off for Masako. She was hired as a housekeeper with Wingate Hotel Industries in Columbia, SC, this past July. Staff and fellow residents at Transitions have always enjoyed Masako’s kindness and friendliness. But her show of appreciation when she received her job offer and realized that Wingate Hotel Industries was willing to invest in her success, was really special.
Getting a job has been a life changing event for Masako. She is enjoying working for the hotel and is now setting her sights on her next goal—finding her own place to live. With assistance from her Transitions case managers and community partners, Masako knows that she can turn employment into independence.