Rosa's Situation

Rosa, a woman in her late 20s, was referred to Viva Employment Los Angeles (VELA) - a program that provides employment services to Latinos/as with mental disabilities - by a counselor at the Department of Rehabilitation in Los Angeles, CA.

At the time of her referral, Rosa was under psychiatric treatment for anxiety and major depression. She is a single mother who is raising three children with assistance from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Social Security Income benefits. Rosa and her children were deeply affected by the untimely death of her husband. Rosa was in need of employment assistance to allow her to better provide for her children and herself.

When Rosa entered the VELA program she told the counselor she had recently been convicted driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and was involved in a collision while driving intoxicated. She stated that she needed substance abuse support because she turned to alcohol because of her problems. She understood the DUI and her drinking would affect her chances of securing employment.

Rosa had multiple barriers to employment. She had anxiety about transitioning off of benefits and was dealing with housing-related problems. She also had to have a flexible work schedule so she could participate in meetings with teachers and administrators at the school where her children were enrolled.

Starting Again with VELA

The job developer and Rosa began working together to address barriers to employment including her pending legal issues including dates she would have to appear at court. Rosa made use of the counselor's referrals for free legal assistance, representation and counseling.

During her participation in the program, Rosa frequently reiterated her concerns, including having a significant amount of stress. The job developer provided employment counseling, guidance, and always reminded her of her abilities and her goals, including her career goal to work in community services with families and children.

With coaching and guidance from her employment counselor, Rosa was able to secure a job at a well-respected non-profit community organization in East Los Angeles. She was hired as a Payment Processing Specialist where she would be processing child-care assistance for parents.

Ultimately, her DUI conviction did not impact her employment, and she was eventually able to obtain her driver's license again. Rosa states that she enjoys her job pleasant work environment. She is now better able to financially provide for her children.

The barriers Rosa faced when she entered into the program have been minimized. Presently, she exhibits a much more positive outlook about her life and abilities, and has created new goals for herself.

She reports that she definitely wants to go back to school, attain a degree, and hopes to one day work in the field as a rehabilitation professional.