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Octavia Crum found herself facing a challenging situation when she was laid off from her position at Amazon in December 2022 amid a company-wide cost-cutting effort during the holiday season. Having worked as an HR Assistant III for two years and recently being promoted to Accommodations Consultant, Octavia was confronted with a pivotal decision just four months later—continue working with the risk of immediate layoff or opt for a buyout package. Choosing to keep working, Octavia was laid off as expected, prompting her to file for unemployment.

In February 2023, Octavia visited the SEMCA Michigan Works! Southgate American Job Center to register for work as part of the unemployment process. Despite applying for numerous jobs from January through March, the end-of-year fiscal budgets affected the job market, making it challenging for Octavia to secure new employment. However, the Southgate staff demonstrated patience and provided thorough answers to her questions, easing Octavia through the process, especially as it was her first-time navigating unemployment procedures. Fortunately, a few weeks later, Octavia was selected to participate in a mandatory Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program session in March 2023.

Meeting with Nora Borges, the Employment Services (ES) Coordinator at the American Job Center, Octavia received valuable resources and tips for a successful job search. Nora, upon reviewing Octavia’s resume and recognizing her skills, identified potential opportunities within the Downriver Community Conference. Encouraging Octavia to aim high, Nora suggested she apply for an open coordinator position. Although Octavia lacked prior experience in employment services, Human Resources recognized the value she brought and offered her a position as a career specialist. Now employed full-time, Octavia is learning and growing, with aspirations of a future promotion to a coordinator position.

Octavia describes Nora as “amazing” and is appreciative of the Southgate staff for making her difficult time stress-free. With coaching and support throughout the job search, Octavia expresses her gratitude to Betsy Oates, HR Coordinator, who maintained constant communication until ultimately extending a job offer to join the DCC family.

Reflecting on her time of unemployment, Octavia shares, “I began to feel hopeless, like my education and skill set did not hold value and that I was not good enough to find another job. Receiving that phone call regarding the job offer with the possibility for career growth helped restore my confidence.” Octavia reflects on her transformative journey, stating, “Who would have thought that being unemployed would turn into a new career path for me?!”