Home » Success Stories » Rising to the Occasion, Restoring Her Independence

After years of building her skills as a pastry chef in Turkey, Yazi Dahm resettled in the United States as a refugee with everything familiar stripped away. Three young children — ages 9, 8, and 4 — depended solely on her, and the weight of that responsibility was matched only by the obstacles in front of her: limited English, no transportation, no family support, and little understanding of how the American workforce system worked. The stability she desperately wanted for her family felt impossibly far away.

With no safety net to fall back on, Yazi needed more than job listings — she needed a real plan. In April 2025, she walked into the SEMCA Michigan Works! Dearborn American Job Center and enrolled in the PATH program. There, she met a Career Coach who took the time to understand not just her work history, but the real barriers standing between her and a paycheck. It was the beginning of a partnership that would change everything.

The first obstacle was transportation. Without a driver’s license, Yazi’s world — and her options — were small. PATH’s supportive services covered her driving lessons, and the day she passed her test, something bigger than a license was earned. It was momentum. Her Career Coach then looked at what Yazi already brought to the table: years of professional baking experience and a work ethic forged through hardship. Through direct employer outreach, Yazi was connected with Papaya Fruit Market, where an open bakery position matched her skills perfectly. She was hired full-time — 40 hours a week at $15 an hour.

But the support didn’t stop at placement. With language barriers still present, her Career Coach stayed close — communicating with the employer, bridging gaps, and making sure Yazi was set up to succeed rather than left to struggle alone. When transportation became a challenge again, PATH stepped in again. Consistent support means showing up beyond the first hurdle, and that’s exactly what happened.

Today, Yazi oversees bakery operations at Papaya Fruit Market. Her employer praises her reliability, skill, and dedication. What once felt impossible — financial independence, stability for her children, a career built from scratch in a new country — is now her everyday reality.

Reflecting on her journey, Yazi shared:

“The consistent support, advocacy, and guidance from SEMCA Michigan Works! and my Career Coach were instrumental in helping me rebuild my career and provide stability for my children.”

Yazi’s story is a testament to what becomes possible when the right support meets relentless determination. She arrived with no map, no safety net, and no one to call — and she built something real anyway. With PATH beside her, Yazi didn’t just find a job. She built a future.