For nearly eighteen months, Naydelin lived with uncertainty. Without a steady income, the responsibility of providing for her family weighed heavily. The holidays were especially difficult. Though she appreciated the support of family and her GAIN worker, moments like standing in a checkout line and using her EBT card often left her wishing her circumstances were different.

When Naydelin entered Focus 360, she needed more than employment. She needed to rebuild her confidence.

Her facilitator began by helping her reframe her experience and recognize the skills she already possessed. Together, they strengthened her résumé and explored new job leads. With each small step, the discouragement she carried began to fade.

The job search itself was not easy. Naydelin submitted dozens of applications and often heard nothing back. Still, she remained focused. Her facilitator reminded her that success rarely comes from luck alone. It comes from preparation, persistence, and continuing the search even when progress feels slow.

That preparation created an opportunity during her fourth week in the program. Naydelin was hired as a full-time receptionist with Comfortable Family Dentist.

Today, she approaches the future with confidence. Employment brought stability, but it also reminded her of something important. The effort she invested in rebuilding her confidence opened doors that once felt out of reach.

Her next goal is to become a Human Resources Administrator, continuing to build a future shaped not by luck, but by determination.

“I am a great believer in luck. The harder I work, the more of it I seem to have.” – Coleman Cox.

By Janet Campos, LACOE-CDP Specialist | Downey Job Services