Posts in category: Stories We Live By

Kweku sought out MND in August 2012 looking for structure and a game plan for how to enter his field in journalism and marketing. A self-described introvert just entering the professional world, he also wanted to work on his interviewing skills.  Kweku worked with MND staff on his interviewing skills and found that the video interviews very beneficial.  “I saw how nervous I was in the beginning and I learned to be more comfortable.” Kweku gained confidence in answering questions and felt ready to show what he had learned with potential employers.

Kweku was interested in working for a non-profit and came across an online listing for an internship with Young Audiences of Maryland. “I thought it was a great mission so I wanted to help.” The program works on exposing young kids to art and music. Kweku applied and was given an
interview. Thanks to his work with MND, Kweku felt prepared. “I don’t think I would have gotten the internship without going through the interview process at MND,” he says.

Kweku’s internship began in September. Kweku is especially excited because he will get to meet other artists and poets and gather inspiration for his own future writing.

Before coming to Maryland New Directions, Johnny DeQuair had worked for 17 years as a regional manager with the same company. He had been in charge of stores from Baltimore to Seattle and supervised 250 employees. It wasn’t until he was laid off that Johnny realized he had an issue with reading and writing.

Though Johnny earned his high school diploma, he still lacked fundamental skills due to the oversight of his school and his own ability to work around his issues. “I was clever and could test well, but I didn’t know the information.” Johnny graduated without really learning how to read or write.

Even with his extensive background in executive leadership, Johnny could not overcome his educational barriers on his own. He enrolled in adult literacy classes at a local non-profit, and was referred MND to help him
with his job-search process.

His hard work paid off. In June, Johnny obtained a survival job, but continued to build his skills as a volunteer at MND. MND staff later assisted Johnny to apply to Chimes, an organization that helps those with intellectual disabilities. He was hired as a Behavioral Tech in September, which matches his career interest and offers a career ladder for growth. He is not stopping there, though. Johnny is also pursuing his degree at BCCC in psychology and maintains an ‘A’ average. He was recently promoted to a managerial position at his company after working there for only 6 months. He has received a substantial pay increase and will now qualify for benefits and tuition reimbursement.

David Parker came to MND in December 2011. Despite the employment barriers he faced, including drug addiction and incarceration, David was persistent in looking for employment. “I kept coming back and MND kept giving me leads. Then, I used the resume writing and interview skills I learned at MND and finally got a job.” David was hired as a dietary aide at Coppin State University on January 17, 2011. “The support group on Thursdays really helped me during the week,” he recalls. “I don’t know if I would have made it without that support.” MND provided David with the skills to build his confidence and overcome his employment barriers. He learned how to conduct a good interview and speak about past mistakes productively.

When David was hired he felt relieved. “What they taught me here at MND, it really worked,” he recalls. David is extremely grateful for the support and skills MND provided. Now that he is employed he plans on saving money and staying connected to MND. “Coming to MND allowed me to get the tools I needed to get a job,” he says.

Before coming to Maryland New Directions, Sean was experiencing a lot of frustration in his job search efforts. He was working for a vehicle processing center, but work was slow and he was having trouble finding a good paying job. Sean’s coworker mentioned Maryland New Directions’ MTDL training program, and this piqued Sean’s interest. His coworker didn’t end up attending the orientation, but Sean did, and he was accepted into the three week program.

At MND, Sean improved his job search skills and became more comfortable with selling himself and his skills to employers in the interview. MND helped Sean secure his TWIC card, which made a huge difference in helping him gain employment in the industry. “After the program,” Sean says, “I felt rejuvenated. I had a better outlook on life.”

Sean’s first two jobs after the program were temporary, but they gave him access to other employers at the Port, and he put his newly acquired networking skills to use. He sent cover letters and resumes to employers he spoke with and was diligent about following up. In May, he applied for a job with Maryland Port Contractors, and continued to follow-up with them to express his interest. Finally, after a month of follow-up calls and emails, the company offered him a full-time job loading and unloading cars on trains. In addition, on his days off, Sean has been able to work alongside the Longshoremen on the pier. “I am very appreciative of everything Maryland New Directions has done for me,” Sean says, and he continues to tell others about the program.