Humans of GLISS Blog

Today we bring you Mel’s story, written in her own words. 

My life before GLISS wasn’t great by any means. I was working a job, that I didn’t pick for myself, living with a person who didn’t provide any security or safety, and genuinely not living with any hope. The job situation was difficult in the beginning because I was pressured into it by my partner, and it became even more difficult when I had to fight to keep it. The circumstances I found myself in left me with very low self-esteem, I felt like I lacked accomplishments in life. 

I spent a lot of time daydreaming about other careers. I love the construction industry and always have, I had the desire to continue learning new skills and developing as a person and employee, but I wasn’t sure how to end the destructive cycle I was stuck in. If you know anything about domestic violence situations, they are difficult to get out of. Before you know it, you’re in a loop of destruction, isolated, with no view of an alternative future, no control over your finances, and little to no security. 

I drove by GLISS every day – until one day I finally found the courage to stop in. I pulled my car over, went inside, and applied for a job of my own choosing. I remember walking in and being amazed by the compassion and welcoming energy everyone had – this was a feeling that I hadn’t felt in a while. They were genuine, encouraging, and most of all, patient with me. This was a scary leap I took for myself, I even ended up breaking down in the office and crying – but I made it through with the help of the staff there. 

This was step one on my path to redemption. I know that I am not alone in this situation, unfortunately. There are others out there in my position and I want to encourage anyone who is going through that, to take a leap of faith, to have hope. Taking ahold of one opportunity will turn into MANY! My actions have influenced my neighbor and my friend who followed in my footsteps, and they too are now feeling the freedom and joy of life again.

I wanted to add a special thank you note to all the recruiters at GLISS, for not only teaching me but encouraging me on my journey. You have never judged me. Thank you for being a part of my, now, beautiful life.