Ready4Work Participant Finds Career Comeback

Laverne wasn’t new to hard work. With a bachelor’s degree in business and years of experience in finance and bookkeeping, she had a strong professional foundation. But like many adults navigating career transitions, she found herself ready to re-enter the workforce and unsure where to start.

That changed when she noticed a flyer in her neighborhood for Ready4Work, one of Omega CDC’s workforce development programs in Dayton that helps individuals strengthen soft skills and build the confidence to pursue meaningful employment. She visited the Hope Center for Families in Northwest Dayton, a central resource hub offering job readiness support, education, and wraparound services for families. From that first visit, she gained access to tools and training that set her on a new path.

Building Skills and Self-Belief

Despite her qualifications, Laverne faced challenges that many job seekers know well. She had sent out résumés, but the responses were slow or nonexistent. Her experience was valuable, but the gap in recent employment and changing job market expectations made it hard to get traction. She remained motivated, but the uncertainty was real.

At the Hope Center, Laverne joined Ready4Work’s weekly soft skills classes, where she worked on her résumé, practiced interview techniques, and learned strategies to navigate the job market with more confidence. The program is designed to remove barriers to employment by helping participants improve their communication, goal-setting, and job search skills.

She also enrolled in computer literacy workshops through a partnership with the Northwest Dayton Metro Library. These sessions gave her practical experience with digital tools, helping her adapt to the modern workplace. This step was critical, as over 90 percent of jobs now require some level of digital literacy, according to the National Skills Coalition.

Laverne approached each session with consistency and commitment. She understood that returning to the workforce meant more than updating a résumé. It meant strengthening her mindset, refreshing her knowledge, and staying open to growth.

Turning Preparation into Progress

Today, Laverne is employed at a financial institution. She now works in a role that uses her financial background and customer service strengths. Her new job allows her to grow professionally while staying rooted in the very community that supported her return.

Laverne’s story reflects the mission behind the Hope Zone vision. She was equipped with resources that were accessible and relevant, and she used them to build momentum toward a better future. Her journey highlights the value of having programs that are designed with the whole person in mind.

Get Involved or Take the First Step

Omega CDC is committed to creating opportunities for individuals and families in Northwest Dayton through workforce development, education, housing, and wellness programs. Stories like Laverne’s show what can happen when the right support meets a determined participant.

If you are looking to begin your own journey toward employment and stability, our team is ready to walk with you.

Start here: Complete our intake process
Support this work: Make a donation to Omega CDC