“They gave me my pride back.”
For Robin, an ordinary afternoon running errands took an unexpected turn when his car was sideswiped at an intersection. The accident caused a traumatic brain injury and significant memory loss.
Afterwards, Robin was unable to keep his job. He was forced to turn to disability benefits to support himself.
Over the course of six months, he began to heal. His memory returned. Every day Robin felt more and more like himself again. He was ready to find a job.
“I hated being on disability benefits. I was used to making my own money.”
He wanted to work, but the process seemed overwhelming.
He turned to Granite State Independent Living’s Ticket to Work program to help find employment.
Established in 2008, Ticket to Work connects those receiving disability benefits with free employment services.
They help people decide where to apply, prepare for the application process, and once hired, continue successfully.
Services such as career counseling, job development, assistance with resume development and interview skills and on-going assistance in managing benefits are available.
Robin connected with Paula. Without her, he explains, he’d never be where he is today. Paula made sure he followed through—sending reminders for paperwork and interviews.
Thriving, with a forty hour a week job and a new business, Robin credits the team at Granite State Independent Living for keeping him accountable and helping him get back on his feet.
A good day’s work. Interacting with co-workers. Collecting a paycheck.
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things in life that bring the most joy.
“They gave me my pride back.”
Want to learn more about the programs offered by Granite State Independent Living? Head over to www.gsil.org or call 603-228-9680.
