“Reach for the stars” is a common phrase that gets used when communicating with people that are trying to figure out what career to pursue. However, often the conversation stops there, and the statement that talks about the road to get there is missing. The conversation is not complete unless we talk about the different challenges that may arise along the way and how to overcome them. Every attainable dream is most likely attached to hard work, perseverance, discipline, and time.

Sarah understood this and she was up for the challenge. One of the challenges that met her along the way was encountering people that would look at her but would only see her wheelchair and question her abilities. Another barrier is poorly designed and inaccessible buildings that leave Sarah to come up with creative solutions on how to make them work. Finally, one of the biggest barriers to work is reliable transportation. Being dependent on public transportation can mean spending up to half a day riding the bus commuting to and from work.  The role of an MVA Employment Consultant is to assist job seekers in breaking through these barriers.

Sarah’s first job was working alongside an Oregon State Representative. She was responsible for attending several committee meetings, taking notes on the information that was presented and discussed, and she was expected to include her perspective in her report. Unfortunately, this amazing opportunity was cut short when the legislative session ended abruptly.

A few months after, Sarah was hired for a temporary job with the Oregon Employment Department (OED). Sarah’s responsibilities included confirming job seekers’ identities, reminding customers about upcoming appointments, resetting passwords, and maintaining enhanced COVID safety procedures.

Around the same time, Sarah was hired by MV Advancements to become MVA’s first Activist Advocate. Sarah’s role is to meet with people receiving MVA services and ensure that they are satisfied with the level of service they are receiving as well as being a voice in the client services committee where she provides input on ways that we can improve and updates us on how we are doing as a services provider.

After her job at OED ended, Sarah applied for a position as an Employment Consultant with MVA.  As an Employment Consultant, Sarah assists job seekers on their path to employment, and for those with a job, she is providing on-the-job coaching. Sarah knows what its like to have people look at her and question what she can accomplish. Not only is she demonstrating how capable she is, but she is also empowering others to step up and do the same. Sarah enjoys spreading awareness about the importance of diversity, working in her community, and supporting others through their journey of employment. 

Sarah is an invaluable part of our team, and we are proud to be working alongside of her. She brings a wealth of experience, skills, and perspective to show the world that success is defined not by what we accomplish, or the talents we possess, but by the lives we positively impact along our own journey to reach for the stars.

Are you, or someone you know, in a position to start conversations about the process of hiring someone in our services? Please contact Beto Reyes at [email protected] and find out how to empower people to live their best life.

Here are some businesses/organizations that have made the decision to hire MVA supported job seekers: McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce, Lum’s Cadillac GMC, Serendipity, Walmart, Safeway, Excell Tech, Hillside, Vineyard Heights, Reynolds Dog Resort, McMinnville Chiropractic, The Chicken Shack, Ross Dress for Less, Geppetto’s, Game Stop, Ankeny Vineyards, Meduri Farms, Yamhill & Polk County Fairgrounds, and many more!