Before coming to Chrysalis, Sue had dedicated years to helping marginalized communities. Previously, she was a volunteer for Women Helping Women, an organization that provided her an avenue to teach individuals computer technology, – from creating resumes to navigating Microsoft programs. After COVID-19 disrupted and closed that opportunity for her, Sue discovered a renewal of her passion as a Chrysalis volunteer.
Over the past several years, Sue has supported Chrysalis clients by refining their resumes and bolstering their interviewing skills. Her teaching background and her expertise as a tutor makes Sue an invaluable volunteer for our clients. When she meets a client, she takes the time to understand their journey and asks about their employment goals.
Sue provides clients with insights into skills they didn’t even know they had. By the end of a resume-writing session, for instance, her goal is to make a client feel more accomplished and confident. “Look at all that you’ve done!”, she tells them.
She also excels in providing encouragement during practice interviews. Sue notes that people often underestimate their own experiences, so she urges clients to brag about themselves and to confidently speak about their achievements and capabilities.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people. I have always been pleasantly surprised by people. I love how happy the clients are.”
Sue reflects on a time when she supported a client who had been incarcerated for nearly forty years. He expressed to her how he had felt uncertain about the changes in the world, especially how technology had developed during the majority of his adult life. Sue encouraged him not to feel overwhelmed and referred him to free resources that are available on the internet, like video tutorials and phone applications.
“He was such a nice man. He wanted to do something to give back to society after being let out. I worked really hard to help him create a nice resume.”
Sue’s home is in Orange County where she has lived for most of her life. Shortly after moving away from California, she became a single mother.
“I told myself if I could get to a point where I can make people’s lives easier – compared to what I had – that’s what I wanted to do,” Sue explains. “I wanted to do anything I could do to help people become successful.”
Thank you to Sue and our many volunteers across Southern California helping Chrysalis clients find, prepare for, and retain jobs!