When Shantel first joined the START Program, she described herself as feeling “very stuck.” At 29, unemployment had affected more than just her ability to find work. Her confidence had taken a hit, her routine had disappeared, and staying positive about the future was becoming harder.
Through START, Shantel began rebuilding those pieces one step at a time.
The program gave her the structure, support, and space to move forward. She refreshed her resume, strengthened her interview skills, and earned certifications that would help her pursue future employment opportunities. For many of the jobs she is interested in, certifications such as FoodSafe and First Aid are required, while SuperHost is an added advantage, all of which she completed through START.
As the program progressed, she began noticing changes in herself. She felt more prepared and confident in her abilities and developed mindfulness tools to help her work through self-doubt and challenging days.
“The START Program gave me support and refreshers for interview prep, a fresh resume, and certificates and training to apply to my future job,” says Shantel. “I gained routine back in my life, a positive outlook back in my life, and hope.”
Today, she leaves the program more grounded and empowered.
“I am leaving confident, a little nervous, but prepared,” she says. “I have taken a lot of notes, and I am walking away with my certifications and a solid resume. I have gained interview skills and a sense of routine.”
When asked what the experience meant to her, Shantel’s answer was simple:
“Finding myself and becoming a better version of me.”
For anyone considering the START Program, she offers this advice:
“Do it! You’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. You get out what you put in.”
Shantel’s story is a reminder that a fresh start does not always begin with a new job or a detailed plan. Sometimes it starts with rebuilding confidence, rediscovering hope, and simply taking the first step forward.