This is how Sacramento Works.

Michele was a stay-at-home mother with two adult children when her husband passed away in 2017. “I hadn’t really been out in the workforce before, so his death left me more scared than I’ve ever been in my life,” says Michele. “I didn’t know how to earn money, I didn’t know how to manage the bills. But the thing that my husband taught me is that you just have to just pick yourself up and get going.”

When her disability income ran out, Michele turned to Sacramento Works for help.

“I felt nervous because I didn’t have any computer skills, but right away they asked me if I needed any help. At first, I thought I could do it on my own, but I realized there was so much they could teach me. My caseworker sat with me for hours and made sure that my resume was completely perfect. She got to know me and saw my willingness to work hard. It felt good.” From there, she started applying for jobs.

Michele was interested in doing warehouse work. “I wanted something to keep me active. I’m not the kind of person to sit in a chair all day.” She applied for a position with Amazon and was hired. “I love my job there. I walk into work at 5:30 every morning with my head held high and it’s the best feeling in the world. I feel very empowered.”

Michele credits her Sacramento Works caseworker for helping her achieve financial independence.

“She let me know I could do anything I wanted as long as I put my heart into it. She gave me confidence that I didn’t have when I first walked in the door and it felt so good. I felt seen by her. I realized I am a person, I’m not just a mom or a wife. I am Michele.”

Today, Michele wants other jobseekers to know that they, too, can find a job that brings them both confidence and security. “I’ve recommended Sacramento Works to so many people already. I know they can help others the way they helped me. You have to keep your head high and stay positive,” she explains. “The times when I felt like I couldn’t do it, they kept telling me, ‘Yes, you can.’ And they were right.” ●