“Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes.” – Maggie Kuhn

Kayleen entered Focus 360 as an experienced caregiver whose work had largely taken place within her family and personal network rather than in formal employment settings. Because her experience was informal, she initially believed her opportunities might be limited and began considering a transition into a different field. Time away from the workforce had also caused her to question her ability to secure employment.

By Day 3 of the program, Kayleen became deeply engaged in learning how to identify and articulate her transferable skills. Through her Individualized Job Search Plan, she began to see her caregiving background more clearly. She recognized that the skills she had developed, reliability, compassion, communication, and problem-solving, were not only valuable but highly sought after in professional caregiving roles.

As her job search progressed, Kayleen encountered postings that required certifications or formal training, which briefly reignited self-doubt. Instead of retreating, she leaned into networking, a turning point in her experience. By reaching out to friends and former coworkers, she discovered how willing others were to offer guidance and encouragement. More importantly, Kayleen found her voice. Speaking openly about her goals and advocating for herself became empowering rather than intimidating. That shift made all the difference.

A lead shared through her network quickly turned into an opportunity. Kayleen is now employed as a caregiver, making $18.75 per hour, working in a role that aligns with her experience and strengths. With renewed confidence and clarity, she is optimistic about her future and the possibilities ahead.

By Benard Balthazar, LACOE CDP Specialist – Carson Job Services