Cooking Up a Dream with Vocational Rehabilitation
Miami, FL (PRWEB) April 24, 2014 -- “Success is synonymous with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR),” says VR customer Liliana “Lili” Ferri. When Lili first came to VR and met her counselor, Olga Ramos, she was unemployed and raising her three daughters on her own. Lili, who emigrated from her native country of Venezuela, cried during the initial counselor interview due to depression and a stress disorder.
From the beginning, Lili talked about her dream of becoming a chef. Her daughters loved her cooking and had always encouraged her to open a restaurant. With Olga guiding her through the process, Lili began working on her culinary arts degree at San Ignacio College. VR paid for tuition, books, and transportation to class, as well as offered guidance and counseling.
She worked hard on her studies, staying long hours at school to work on extra credit and help fellow students with subjects that were giving them trouble. “Suddenly I was in college, and it was really hard at first and went really fast,” said Lili. “I kept reminding myself that I was doing this for my daughters.” She also volunteered at college events. All that hard work paid off and, in September 2012, Lili graduated at the top of her class as valedictorian.
Because of her academic success and volunteer work, the college decided to hire her as their operations and purchasing coordinator. Lili bought supplies and helped the faculty prepare the food for their classes. She also taught the cooking class offered to the public twice a week.
Elsa Stadthagen, Lili’s supervisor, was happy to have her on staff. “Liliana earned a special place in our hearts and a lot of respect from everyone. She’s a great worker,” said Elsa. “I like to use her success as an example for our students to follow, including the ones that are currently working with VR."
When asked what it has been like working with someone who has a disability, Elsa said, “It’s been a very good experience. She worked well on our team. I definitely recommend working with VR to find employees.”
Lili recently started a new job as the pantry chef at a Cheesecake Factory. There, she makes appetizers, cold salads, and more; all kinds of food that does not need to be cooked. She is a chef and proud to be working in her chosen field.
“It’s good to be on the other side,” Lili said. “Now I can buy a car or buy books, if I want. Everything has changed, both personally and professionally.” She has reached her goal, and in the process, demonstrated her abilities and perseverance, not only to herself, but to her family and friends.
Lili expresses her gratitude to VR and Olga, who trusted in her dreams and ultimate success. “Olga always encouraged me and asked how I was doing,” she said. Olga was a little concerned that Lili may have some difficulty at the beginning because of her limitations with the English language, but she made it through. “Lili’s very persistent. When she makes a goal, she goes all the way.”
Olga is a great role model for her customers. She began working at VR in 1979 as a secretary. After her children grew older, she went back school to earn her master’s degree and rehab counseling certification. She became a counselor in 2008. Olga also showed her kids that they can do anything they want to do. “No matter how old you are, you can meet your goals.”
About Vocational Rehabilitation
Florida’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a federal-state program committed to helping people with disabilities become part of America’s workforce. VR has 80 offices across Florida, and last year helped 6,523 Floridians with significant disabilities find or keep a job. For more information about VR and its services, call (800) 451-4327 or visit http://www.Rehabworks.org.
Rachel Smith, Vocational Rehabilitation, http://rehabworks.org, +1 (850) 245-3415, [email protected]
Share this article