Now that the “giving” season at the homeless shelter is over, Mary is beginning her job search in earnest again. She sent out resumes a few times this fall, but now she will be sending more.
She is 27, and Goodwill and the State rehabilitation program have dropped her from their case loads. She was able, on her own, to find part-time, seasonal work with a homeless shelter, but has been unable to find a full time, regular job. She is highly valued (although not highly paid) by the homeless shelter for her skills in accounting and data entry. But her autistic features,language related learning disabilities, and inability to drive have been a barrier to regular employment.
So now that the “giving” season is over for the homeless shelter, her hours will be reduced to six hours a week. I am grateful that she has this opportunity and that she has meaningful work.
Loneliness is an issue. She has been trying to find things to do. She has been teaching herself how to draw and paint and work with chalks. We go to church. She has that social opportunity, and work is a social outlet.
I try not to fret, but that low level concern keeps niggling at the back window of my mind, trying to get in. But I need to keep in mind that the Lord has a place for Mary. She is his workmanship, his handiwork, his masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for her to do.
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“ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, the Bible, NIV)
annkilter 
I am so glad your daughter has some employment, and will keep fingers crossed more hours come her way!
Thank you. 🙂
Jeez – we’re a long way from this point, personally, but it is something that I think about already. Hoping Mary finds something wonderful out there.
It’s something that was on my mind when my kids were the age of yours. 20 years later, here she is contributing, working, and looking for work. Thank you.
I have found in this day and age that networking is one of the few ways to get a job – now I’m guessing that is significantly harder for someone with autism, but in an age where you can network virtually – maybe there are some good options for your daughter?
Has/would she try any of these: sending notes/emails to college classmates asking them to recommend her if they see anything, going to some local free career counseling (most towns have some version of this), posting her skill set on local library and starbucks boards (for ad hoc work that she can add to her resume)? I use linked in to find jobs that I think I could do – and then I find people I *kind of* know in that company and send them a note. I get about 50/50 response rate that way – MUCH better than when I just submit a resume.
Anyone that wants to work and is skilled – should have a job. It’s a travesty that our hiring systems are so flawed… my heart goes out to every un/underemployed person with skills.
Thank you for your suggestions. I will tell her about them. 🙂