Goodwill helped Helen achieve her goal of working in finance

Helen sought a fresh start for her and her children upon returning to Maine. After being a stay-at-home mom for more than a decade, she was uncertain about her next steps. Helen met with the Workforce Solutions team and set a goal to work in finance.

Helen looked for career resources at Fedcap, a workforce development organization, and they referred her to Workforce Solutions, operated by Goodwill NNE. It wasn’t long before her career advisor reached out, she said.

“But right from the beginning, my career advisor helped me feel like things were going to be OK,” Helen said.

Together they explored Helen’s interests and skills. Helen enjoyed handling her family’s finances in the past, so working in finance was a natural fit. Helen’s career advisor had a certification class in the works for her by their second meeting.

Finding work in finance

Helen’s confidence grew through her training. She asked an acquaintance who owns Taxes Plus in Rockport, Maine, if she had any openings. The employer didn’t have any open positions, but gave Helen a different chance.

“She offered me the opportunity to sit in on some tax classes she was giving to her staff and her employees,” Helen said. “After I completed the first class, she found that she did in fact have space and she really wanted me to be on the team. It was really a great feeling.”

Joyce Mohr, owner of Taxes Plus, said Helen is a joy to work with.

“I like to hire people who are smart, enthusiastic and willing to work and learn,” Joyce said. “And Helen was all of that.”

Workforce Solutions supported Helen and encouraged her to find work she loves. Now she’s taking a course that will allow her to do tax work year-round.

As she continues her career working in finance, Helen hopes to help and represent people who get into trouble with the IRS.

“I’m really excited,” Helen said. “I’m going to be able to pass on the same kind of help and sense of security that Workforce Solutions helped me find.”