District of Columbia
SUCCESS STORIES FROM PSI'S WORK HARDENING PROGRAM
August 2006
“PSI is the best thing that ever happened to my son...”
That is what his father said when Harry (not his real name) was offered a job as a Maintenance Aid at the University of Maryland. Read more...
“I work in Greenbelt...”
When Karla (not her real name) enrolled in the PSI Work Hardening Program, she had lots of training in housekeeping and janitorial work. Karla came to PSI to get a job, so she could help her grandmother and sister.. Read more...
“He has deserved this. He has worked hard for it...”
Bob (not his real name) had been hospitalized most of his life. When he enrolled in the PSI Work Hardening Program about 16 months ago, he had a great deal of training in commercial floor care. Read more...
“She has come a long way thanks to PSI...”
Darlene (not her real name) was not a candidate for employment. Her attendance, conduct, and motivation to learn were poor. However, as she saw others in the PSI Work Hardening Program go out on job interviews and get jobs, Darlene began to change. Read more...
She overcame health problems to realize her dream...
Hazel has a history of serious health problems, which have interrupted her plans for herself and her opportunity to achieve her personal goal. After a year, Hazel won her battle and got a clean bill of health. Read more...
“She is ready now to move on with her life...”
Debbie was enrolled in the Work Hardening Program for about a year, but was not interested in getting a job. Read more...
FOSTER PARENT APPRECIATION CELEBRATIONS IN BALTIMORE,
MARYLAND, AND WASHINGTON, D.C.
Leading Foster Care agency PSI FAMILY SERVICES honors area Foster Parents
during the month of May.
May 23, 2006
May is "Foster Parent Appreciation Month" as declared by the Governors of Maryland
and the Mayors of Easton,
Maryland, and Baltimore,
Maryland. Established by PSI FAMILY SERVICES, INC., which works to place
abused and neglected children in foster and adoptive homes, "Foster Parent
Appreciation Month" pays tribute to the outstanding families that care for
foster children.
"We're proud to sponsor this
celebration of foster parents," said Dr. Elizabeth Abramowitz, founder and
president of PSI. "Each year, PSI works with dozens of local families who
generously open their hearts and homes to children in-need."
Each May, PSI gives special recognition to the men and women in its foster
care program at 
an honorary dinner or luncheon. "The foster parents we work
with are so dedicated," said Dr. Yvonne Ali, executive administrator of PSI
Family Services. 
"They really deserve accolades every day for their love,
devotion and commitment to these special children."
PSI Family Services, Inc. provides health and family services, including
mental health services, foster care and adoption, clinical case management
and human resources services.
Harry's story continued...
Harry was offered the position immediately after his interview with the University Human Resources Department. How this happy ending came about is a good example of how PSI Job Developer worked with Harry’s PSI Activities Coordinators, Harry’s family and Harry.
Harry’s personal goal was to live on his own so that his father would not have to support him. When Harry came to the PSI Work Hardening Program he had a difficult time adjusting. With the help of PSI staff and his father, Harry did adjust. He went from confrontational to compliant, from refusing to learn to being eager to learn. He saw others leave the program and get jobs. He decided that PSI was offering him a way to achieve what he wanted for himself. So, Harry signed up for the interview and got the job.
Because Harry had failed in many programs before PSI, his father was not hopeful when Harry enrolled. Harry’s father says PSI has been a blessing for his son. Harry has grown into the man both him and his father never knew was possible. “PSI is the best thing that ever happened to my son,” says Harry’s proud father. return to top
Karla's story continued...
Karla explained to the PSI Job Developer that she wanted a maintenance or housekeeping job with benefits.
She asked if there were any positions available. The PSI Job Developer immediately referred her to the Greenbelt Courthouse which was looking for a Maintenance Aide. The PSI Job Developer took her to the interview, helped her complete the application and waited with her. At the end of the interview, Karla was offered the position.
Now, Karla’s Case Manager is excited. Karla is excited. Karla’s family is excited. Karla’s grandmother is proud of what Karla has accomplished. And, Karla has the job she has waited a long time to get; says Karla, “I work in Greenbelt” when asked what she does. return to top
Bob's story continued...
Bob who lives in a group home wants a job so that he can earn money and purchase personal items.
The PSI Job Developer arranged for Bob to have any job interviews. He very much wanted to work and went on many interviews. He was never hired. But, neither Bob nor the PSI Job Developer was not discouraged.
Then it happened. The PSI Job Developer took Bob for an interview at the Greenbelt Courthouse for a part-time Maintenance Aid position. Bob was hired. Everyone congratulated Bob for his hard work and perseverance. He never gave up or gave in. Bob’s group home staff sees the change in Bob. He is very happy and self confident. PSI staff and Bob’s Case Manager agree with Bob’s group home staff who says “Bob deserved this. He has worked hard for it.” return to top
Darlene's story continued...
Darlene read the vacancies notice outside of the PSI Job Developer’s door. She saw the position for Housekeeper, and asked if she could be interviewed for it. The PSI Job Developer did practice interviews with Darlene. Her Activities Coordinator gave Darlene special coaching and pre-vocational preparation. They practiced what to do during an interview and how to fill out the written application.
When the day of the interview arrived, Darlene was ready. She wanted to succeed and she did. She was offered a part-time Housekeepers Aid position at the U.S. Department of Interior. Now Darlere wants to get her own apartment, live independently, and some day get married. The job is the start of Darlene’s new life. Darlene’s mother could not be happier. Darlene’s group home staff feels the same way. They are proud of what Darlene has accomplished. Says Darlene’s mother, “she as come a long way thanks to PSI.” return to top
Hazel's story continued...
Her first wish was to get a job to help care for her daughter and her granddaughter. Hazel often looked at the vacancy announcements outside the PSI Job Developer’s office and would pop in to see if there was anything for her.
When the PSI Job Developer told Hazel about the Maintenance Aid position at the U.S. Navy Yard across the street from the PSI Work Hardening Program, Hazel wanted to apply immediately
The PSI Job Developer contacted Melwood Academy, which has the contract with the U.S. Navy Yard for maintenance services. They agreed to interview Hazel. She got the job.
The next steps for Hazel are to stay healthy and help her daughter. Hazel has taken control of her life and adopted a healthier life style. Hazel is working at a job she likes. “You can see the difference in her, says the PSI Activities Coordinator. He adds, “ I am very proud of her and so happy for her.” return to top
Debbie's story continued...
She has done extremely well in the program. And, before coming to PSI Debbie had past work experience in housekeeping and janitorial services.
Debbie was living in a group home with other adults with disabilities. She came to the PSI Job Developer to explain that she needed to get a job so that she could leave the group home and live independently with her son. After several counseling sessions to prepare Debbie for the job interview and for the work setting, the PSI Job Developer arranged for an interview with the D.C. Tax Court as a part-time housekeeper. Debbie was offered the job immediately after her interview.
Debbie’s Case Manager, group home staff, and PSI staff are extremely happy for Debbie. As her group home staff put it, “she is ready now to move on with her life.” return to top