“Learn your obstacles and barrel through them…the support services at Fresh Start are great. Everyone is knowledgeable and helpful. If you don’t know where to start, start here.”
After watching a news segment about a Fresh Start client’s journey to self-sufficiency, Vera* searched online for “women supporting women.” What began as a simple internet search connected Vera to a community that would support her for years to come.
At the time, Vera was looking for career guidance. She needed help finding employment and developing a resume that would help her stand out in a competitive job market.
“At Fresh Start, I was able to go in, get on the computer, look for jobs, fill out applications and print a resume. Thanks to that assistance, I got a job!”
For years, Vera remembered the support she received coming to Fresh Start, and when she was having trouble with her work-life balance, she turned to Fresh Start again.
“I started the Personal Empowerment Series and gained tools in communication and confidence-building,” Vera shared. “I learned how to set boundaries, and that allowed me to communicate my wants and needs, which helped the family dynamic that was changing at home.”
Vera returned to Fresh Start a third time at the beginning of 2025 after a Fresh Start newsletter promoted an open application period for their upcoming Women in Finance program.
“The job I had at the time was coming to an end. It was perfect timing to get back out there, get a resume updated, and learn more about the banking world.”
Although Vera had a degree in accounting, she worked in retail and wanted to change career fields. She decided to apply to the Women in Finance program beginning in February 2025 and was accepted!
Vera recalled that the curriculum provided valuable lessons on the banking and finance industry that weren’t necessarily covered in her degree program.
“We learned about 401Ks, fraud, and what customer service looks like in the banking industry,” Vera said.
Vera knew that Fresh Start was the right place to get support for her career change. Even with that knowledge, she was blown away by the staff and women in her cohort.
“Meeting the other women, I can relate to most of them, even though we have different backgrounds. We’re all trying to do something for our lives. We’re trying to explore our journeys and get better jobs.”
Vera found that a sense of sisterhood naturally emerged from the group’s shared mission to complete the Women in Finance program and advance along the road to self-sufficiency.
“I believe because we had the same goals, we all knew what we wanted, and we’re trying to find ways to get there,” shared Vera. “We’re bonded that way.”
Vera had to practice resilience and dedication to the long-term goal throughout the cohort. Once she was between jobs, her household operated on one less income.
“Working through my budget was a challenge because I didn’t have enough saved up. We had to tighten the money belt. Then I prayed every day that my car would keep making it because the budget was tight. I couldn’t just go out and get new clothes and shoes. But I was excited to get up and come here [Fresh Start] every day.”
With the initial goal of securing a better-paying job that also offered upward mobility, Vera rediscovered Fresh Start’s career services, such as resume writing and mock interviews, which increased her confidence. She now felt very capable of reading a job description and tailoring her resume to increase her chances of an interview.
“That built my confidence…and getting through the mock interviews is one of my proudest moments. I felt like I didn’t do very well at first, but then I kept leveling up and gaining steps.”
Vera plans to land a job that contributes to her household income, and in the meantime, she’s enjoyed watching the positive impacts that chasing her goals has on her children.
“They watch everything I do…they see me studying, writing those resumes, and they’re asking questions. They get to see me going after what I want, and it sets a good example for them. That makes it all really worth it.”
After graduating from the Women in Finance program, Vera had several job applications out to hiring employers. Her first choice was BMO and she was thrilled to share with Fresh Start that she was hired by BMO as an Associate Banker.
“If you don’t know where to start, start at Fresh Start.”