The following are stories of some of our former employees who have gone on to make their lives more fulfilling.

AUDREY: Came from a program called "Women's and Children". When she first came to In-the-Making, she was a very quiet person. Time went by and her attitude started to change. Now she was much more talkative and participated with the group. Audrey, like every other woman, had her issues, but she was working on them. She was trying to recover her children from DCF. She was also trying to get into a training program, and at the same time, looking for an apartment. Her hands were full, but somehow she managed to do it. Through the help of ITM, she found a training program. Not too long after that, she was reunited with her children and found a place to live. Thanks to her willingness to go on, the help from ITM, the support from others, and especially with the help of God, she accomplished with she always wanted.

AWILDA: "I am still working at St. Mary's Hospital and I hope to be there for a long time. I love what I do and also the people and staff of the hospital. I want to say thank you so much."

DEBORAH: Came from a substance abuse program. While employed at In-the-Making and still attending the abuse program, she completed certification for a nursing assistant and is seeking employment in this field. She moved into an apartment and ITM helped with household items and food. (Please note that ITM supplied her with the information about the CNA program.) Thanks to ITM's services, she entered the CNA program.

JENNIFER: Is a mother of four children. She came to In-the-Making from a shelter and with no job experience. ITM gave her the opportunity to have a recent job history, have some work experience, and learn job skills. ITM helped her to deal with various departments such as Department of Children and Families and welfare programs-more importantly, to stand up for herself. Food, furniture, and household items were provided for the apartment she obtained. Day care facilities were obtained for her children. ITM accompanied Jennifer on her hard road and will follow-up as needed. Presently she is waiting for Section 8 housing to be granted. She is not employed due to a medical problem with one of her children.

JESSICA: Was a disabled learner. In-the-Making told her about services available through the Bureau of Rehabilitive Services. ITM followed through with her and she became employed.

WILLIE MAE: Came to In-the-Making from a program called "Women's and Children". To Willie Mae, it was her first job experience in her whole life. She was very nervous and anxious on her first day, but she was willing to do whatever it took to perform her best. While at ITM, there were big improvements in her personality. For example, she communicated more freely and was willing to try new ideas. Therefore, she removed some barriers in her life. She started to work on her GED. She also was looking for an apartment. Something changed in Willie Mae's life. For some reason, something was different, it wasn't the same. The new Willie Mae wasn't waiting for things to come to her, she was going after them. What made the difference in Willie Mae's life? She only needed someone to believe in her and to hear the words "you can do it". Thanks to her efforts and to ITM services, she not only has an employment reference, but a new meaning in life to move on and accomplish more than she ever dreamed of doing.

ESTRELLA: "About 3 months ago, I came from New York to Waterbury and went to a domestic violence shelter. I decided to come to Waterbury to change my life for me and my son. I lived in the domestic violence center for three months and did nothing. My time was coming to an end and I realized that I had no job, no money, nothing. I felt like I neglected myself, but most of all, my son. I ended up going to another shelter. There is where I got the flyer for In-the-Making. I went to the interview and ended up getting the job that very day (September 24, 2004)...Well sine I've been working here, a lot of good things have happened. I ended up getting my own place and also another job. So, now I have two jobs. But, I know I could not have accomplished half of hat I have if it wasn't for Sister Marie, Sister Rosemary, Kate and also Elga. They have been positive motivations in my life, making me want more, to do more for myself, have dreams of going back to school and become somebody. I don't know how I can repay them for what they have done for me. But, all I know is that when I leave, I am going to achieve everything I've wanted to achieve in my life. Then come back so they can see what I have become and thank them for playing such an important role in my life."

GERSCILE: "Before I came to In-the-Making, I was a drug user and did 8 months in prison time and 8 months in a program. Then, I came to In-the-Making... In that process, that's when I felt I met people that could help me and they encouraged me to be the very best I could be. And that started me on the road to success...So from there, I started to look for openings in human services and at that time, every door was closed. In-the-Making kept encouraging me to keep my faith alive and finally I had an interview at Community Residence. I was up front and forward in my interview. God opened the door and they told me all I needed was 2 references. I used the Sisters as my references...The trials in life brought me closer to God and that's where my calling became clear. That is when I stopped being afraid, and I went forth and became a minister...That was a year ago."

LESLIE: - a mother of three children. She came to In-the-Making full of hopes and dreams. She was very talkative and was willing to help and participate. Leslie, like every other woman, had her issues, but she was working on them with a big smile and her favorite word "Groovy". To her, everyday was a peach day. Through the help of In-the-Making, she got a permanent job which she loves. Thanks to her willingness to go on, and with the help of God, she accomplished what she always wanted - a really good job.

MERCEDES: - a very pleasant lady who started at In-the-Making a long time ago. Through In-the-Making, after completing the necessary course, she received her certification as a CDA (Children Development Associate). After many hours of hard work and volunteering hours, she just recently was permanently hired doing what she loves the most - working with children.

MICHELLE: - came to In-the-Making from a shelter. In-the-Making assisted her with registration procedures to enroll at Naugatuck Valley Community College. While employed at In-the-Making she was offered a permanent position at Mailplex, (a business partner of In-the-Making). She is presently employed and enjoying her new life.

PATRICIA: - mother, professional, role model who came to In-the-Making needing a change for a fresh start. Patricia had a lot of problems when she first started, but she also had a lot of hopes and dreams. While she was at In-the-Making, she faced many problems and on some occasions, she thought about giving up, but every time she found the strength to continue on.

After trying more than once, she finally was seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. She got a new apartment and a permanent job as a receptionist that she really enjoys.

A note received from Patricia:
Dear Sisters and Staff

After nearly a year of looking for employment, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work for a large corporate company called Boehringer and Ingeheim located in Danbury, CT. It is a large pharmaceutical company and the benefits are great and the starting salary as well. I found the job by logging on to work Connecticut.com. After finding out about the free services available at the career center, I took advantage of their internet services and starting sending out my resumes via e-mail. I am so grateful to the staff of In-the-Making. I truly believe this opportunity came to me because of all the special staff and my co-workers praying and support for me.

Thank you so very much!