ReHire Helps Veteran Find Hope

Julie Currie is a Colorado Springs Native and U.S. Military Veteran. After spending 5 years active duty in the Army, Julie was medically retired in 2017. Her medical concerns made it difficult for Julie to maintain a job having been recently diagnosed with both Breast and Cervical Cancer. Trying to find an employer that was willing to be flexible with her schedule and doctor’s appointments seemed impossible. After sharing her situation with other veterans, Julie was referred to Goodwill’s ReHire program.

Facing both homelessness and illness, Julie had her doubts if ReHire would be able to help her. To her surprise, she found support and understanding from the ReHire Team. She appreciated how they were willing to work with her schedule and took her concerns seriously. Through the program, she was employed at Who Gives a Scrap and after just two months, she was offered a permanent position with them. Also, during her time in ReHire, Julie leveled up her skills and received her Business of Retail Certification through another program offered by Goodwill; Micro-Credentials Training.

Julie loves that ReHire felt like a family and that she was able to rely on those around her. She describes this past year as being the worst and best of her life. While the year began with her in a hard spot, she is now getting ready to close on the purchase of her first home, works for an organization that she loves and feels supported by, and she finally feels like the pieces are falling into place. Before ReHire Julie felt hopeless, but now she is excited for what her future holds.

Administered through Goodwill’s Career Development Services program, ReHire Colorado is an 11-week, transitional employment program helping individuals with barriers to employment re-enter the workforce. Eligible participants benefit from paid, on-the-job training in a supportive work environment, and develop marketable job skills to launch or advance their careers. Learn more about ReHire on our website here.