Mary

Back to Success Stories Mary Dr. Wong

In the beginning of 2009, I found myself affected by the downturn in the economy for many reasons that seemed to snowball and eventually limited me both personally and professionally. My hours had been cut and access to personal transportation was limited to public transportation, hindering my ability to function in the field of home health care. I had been on over 10 job interviews where I became aware of more barriers, my age (over 40), lack of education, dental issues and now bad credit. What a "catch 22." I t sounds like I am whining, but I am just stating the facts. I craved something more for my life and started my journey so that I could offer the workforce a better-prepared worker. I also felt that it was important to become a better-rounded individual for myself. When you enhance your skills, in makes you a better person. After completing a job readiness program, I was referred to Dress for Success South Central PA. I did not own a suit so this was an important step in my overall process. Having a suit gave me confidence to go on more interviews. Ruth Koup, CEO of Dress for Success South Central Pa approached me with a very sensitive topic. She wanted to know if I would be interested in participating in a new partnership program called "Smiles for Success," as the the very first client to receive dental services to help me gain full-time employment. For many years, most of my teeth were missing and I thought that it certainly would make a difference in so many ways. The feeling of terror and absolute joy for this wonderful opportunity overwhelmed me, but I jumped at the chance because this answered long-term prayers. I am deathly afraid of dentists but I am more afraid of long-term unemployment! Smiles for Success got me a female dentist, Dr. Lillan Wong D. D. S., in Carlisle. With an extreme understanding they showed me great care - all with the goal to give me quality full dentures that would give me a winning smile. Wow, what a caring loving mouth full that is - such an unusual blessing in my life. I can't express in words my thankfulness that I have been chosen as a pilot person for this wonderful program. Now I have a winning smile! This overall experience has helped me to restore my dignity and has put a spring back in my step. I would like to thank all the people in all the programs that have supported me and contributed to transforming my life. My confidence is now allowing me to consider other employment options that I would never have dreamed of before all this began. "Much to look forward to!"
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