When Shannon first found Ability Beyond, she was in her early 20s, hadn’t completed high school, and thought that she would never find a job.

Today, she’s working in one of her dream jobs and getting ready to pursue her master’s degree in social work.

“The hard part for a lot of people who have a disability is that they don’t see a future for themselves or what they want to do,” said Shannon, who is enrolled in the Ticket to Work program. “I didn’t think I’d be able to get a job or see a future. I was just trying to get through the day.”

No Work Experience

Shannon was insecure when she first came to Ability Beyond, but knew that she wanted a brighter future.

“I didn’t have any drive, but I wanted to get on the right track,” she said.

Then she saw an advertisement for the Ticket To Work program and reached out to Ability Beyond. Shortly after, she met with Kevin Cooper, our Ticket To Work Program Manager, at a local coffee shop.

“He was so kind and was so accepting and understanding of my situation,” she said. “It meant a lot to me not to be judged for my circumstances. We connected right away. I told him I’d love to work in a library someday. But my real passion is helping people.”

Ticket To Work – a free program funded by the federal government – provided Shannon with access to a variety of services, including career counseling, interviewing skills, resume development, job coaching, networking opportunities, and more.

Finding Confidence

Through the program, Shannon found the support and confidence she needed to move forward. She completed her high school diploma and began pursuing her associate’s degree at Gateway Community College in Connecticut. It’s there that she landed her first job in the admissions office.

“Kevin helped me realize that I was capable of doing the work and played a big role in helping me get the job,” Shannon said. “I discovered I was more competent than I realized.”

Before long, she moved on to Quinnipiac University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.

Shannon was also able to save up enough money during the program that she could move out of her father’s home and into an apartment with her partner – another life-changing experience.

“I can’t even describe the feeling of being independent,” she said. “It just makes me so happy to be out on my own.”

Looking Ahead

Shannon recently landed a job as an assistant librarian at the New Haven Public Library – one of her dream jobs – but she knows she wants more.

“It feels like I’ve accomplished a great deal, but it’s not the end goal; there is no end goal,” she said. “I want to help people who have been in difficult circumstances like myself, and there are so many opportunities today in that field.”

In August, Shannon will begin her graduate studies at Southern Connecticut State University, where she will pursue a master’s degree in social work.

“I want to become a social worker eventually, but it’s more than I ever imagined for myself just one year ago,” she said. “I have come such a long way. And I couldn’t have done it without Ability Beyond.”

Take Action

Shannon is one of more than 2,000 people who Ability Beyond helps through our Employment Services each year. And it’s through the support of the community and people like you that makes it possible. Do what you can today to help more people like Shannon succeed!