Division of
Vocational
Rehabilitation

Gina LaPolla Region 1

Gina was at a turning point in her adult life just before Christmas of 2007, when she found herself in a state of crisis with no where to go. Fortunately, for her children and her own sense of self, she was influenced, in part, by Mental Health counselors to seek the services of IDVR.

Gina was struggling with severe depression, she thought her world had nearly come to an end and desperately needed moral, financial, legal and emotional support to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Although she actually had the mental tools to see her through the situation that seemed so insurmountable to her, she just needed support and encouragement in order to activate her initiative and fortitude.

In 1991 Gina graduated Summa Cum Laude from California Lutheran University with a Bachelor degree in Psychology. It seemed apparent that someone with the proven skills to successfully complete a significant accomplishment like that certainly knew adversity at least once and overcame it.  Through weekly meetings with her vocational counselor, Gina slowly gained strength to negotiate with lawyers, courts, employment leads, counselors, children, an ex-husband, dependence on Social Security, financial hardships, automobile problems, housing concerns, and family strains.

Vocational counseling led to the identification of a couple job possibilities and encouragement that the time had arrived to move towards a career in a stable position, which offered the true benefits she would need to sustain the inevitable loss of Social Security once gainfully employed. During vocational counseling, her VR  counselor acquired information about opportunities at US Bank.

Soon Gina would have an interview with US Bank in Coeur d’ Alene. Subsequent to her hire, her self-esteem has returned as her responsibilities have broadened over the past year at US Bank.

The last 2 years brings us to a happy ending. Gina no longer needs or receives Social Security due to her blossoming career in banking, the settlement of her child support legalities, and spousal support finally secured. She has happily moved on with her life and as she has stated so many times, has her children back in the home where they have a mom, a mom that almost didn’t make it. Best of wishes, Gina, for a long and rewarding career.

Robert Bruce Region 2

Robert Bruce was referred to Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation by Region II Mental Health Court in February 2008.  He was in dire need of employment to support himself and two sons without the assistance of any benefits. Dealing with his lack of employment and legal problems, his disabilities were negatively impacting his life. Transportation was a problem as he was living in a small town 15 miles away from Lewiston. Robert was in Phase I of his Mental Health Court program with includes very strict requirements. He had to attend meetings, classes, court, and counseling sessions which required an employer to be somewhat flexible.  Jerry contacted Lewis-Clark Recyclers regarding positions within their Company.  

 They had an open position as an equipment operator. This was a fit for Robert with his strong performance skills, current driver’s license, and clean driving record.  The problem with the job was the hours available were conflicting with his court requirements.  A staffing was held with Region II Mental Health and Lewis-Clark Recyclers to work out accommodations to allow Robert to meet his commitments.  Lewis-Clark assisted  by shifting their existing staff around to open up the times that would work for Robert, and Mental Health moved some of his classes to later in the afternoon.  By everyone working together Robert was able to do his program and be able to work 40 hours a week. 

Vocational Rehabilitation help Robert with counseling and guidance, creating a resume, filling out applications-which he struggled with due to his written expression disorder, mock interviews, purchasing boots and clothes necessary for the job, and transportation money because he was living 15 miles from town.  Robert is looking forward to having a paid vacation this summer. Robert currently is in Phase IV of Mental Health Court and will be graduating in September.  He has remained substance free for over 16 months.

Robert loves his job and considers it to be a bright spot for him.  He is thankful for all the assistance and support he received from Vocational Rehabilitation.  He is grateful for our help in getting his self esteem returned and being able to set a good example for his sons.  He is also thankful to Lewis-Clark Recyclers for giving him a chance to prove himself. 

Amanda Caughell Region 3

Amanda’s transformation came about because of her own determination, plus adequate treatment, coordination and communication among the many agencies that gave her the support and accountability she needed to break free from a dark past.     

Amanda spent a significant portion of her youth in and out of programs for at-risk individuals (including 2 prior unsuccessful attempts with IDVR).  She could not manage her anger or other issues associated with her disabilities.  Eventually, she wound up in prison for aggravated battery. She knew she had a disabling illness, but she couldn’t afford the evaluations or treatment she needed to manage her symptoms or behavior. She desperately wanted to do well, but needed extensive rehabilitation and skills training. 

Amanda was eventually paroled, with a mandate to work and attend treatment classes at Pathways. Amanda had a job, but could not afford medication. At one point of deep discouragement, Amanda was actually talking about simply allowing herself to be violate probation and return to prison because she could not cope with all the demands placed on her. 
VR got her started with a medical regimen.  But we could not continue medication long-term, and she also needed one-on one coping skills training and assistance, so PSR services were provided on a time-limited basis.  

During that time Amanda grew tremendously, her self esteem improved and she developed the confidence to communicate assertively, set boundaries and make better choices for herself and her son. Although our time with her was limited, it was definitely successful and we enjoyed the alliance we built with Vocational Rehabilitation services and the opportunity to help change a life.

When she began with VR, Amanda was working with Arby’s. The case was initially opened to help her keep her job.  In addition to the treatment services, she needed a few things: a bicycle to transport her to and from work, as well as clothing, which we of course provided.  During the course of the case, she began having complications on the job and asked for help to find something different. 

We agreed and provided Employment Services through AVS, and she accepted a job as a food server. Unfortunately, this did not work out.  But working with AVS enhanced her employment self-advocacy skills.  She negotiated a return to Arby’s – this time for better pay and hours!   Arby’s has been an excellent employer, supporting her through her challenges and victories. .Amanda says: “You’ve all been awesome – thank you SO much!”

Humberto Pulido (Beto) Region 4

Beto worked at Club 93 in Jackpot, Nevada, as a cook. Beto was educated in another country, but his degree was not recognized in the U.S.. Limited in English, Beto took a job where other Spanish speakers worked.

He started this job in 1997.  In 2007, he injured his foot, which left a large laceration that would not heal properly.  Beto continued to experience problems at work and soon he lost his job, because he couldn’t stand for long periods of time. He lacked resources to seek medical help so he attempted to treat his wound on his own.

When he finally saw a doctor, his leg was infected and was becoming gangrenous. Subsequently his leg was amputated below the knee.  During the hospitalization and blood work, it was discovered that Beto was a diabetic, and had been diabetic a couple of years prior to his infection. Now as an amputee with diabetes,.

At that time, the Migrant Outreach Coordinator had visited local agencies in Twin Falls. One of those agencies provided Beto a VR brochure written in Spanish describing VR services.  Beto then contacted VR and an appointment was made to meet with him. 

Beto applied for VR services under the Migrant Program and I explained how VR services could help him regain employment. He then looked at me, and said that this was the first time he felt that he wasn’t getting the “run around.” Beto said he would like to find a job that he could do. He knew he could not work using crutches and saw getting a leg as the only way he could return to some type of employment.   

Information was gathered from his doctors and Beto was made eligible for VR services. Beto’s disabilities included leg amputation and diabetes. Significant guidance and counseling was provided to Beto. We then developed and completed an IPE that included counseling and guidance, medical care, evaluation for his prosthesis, a leg prosthesis and placement and placement and follow along to support his return to employment.

In the meantime with Beto’s permission, I contacted his prior employer and explained the VR program. The employer agreed to reconsider hiring Beto back. Beto was then rehired by his prior employer. Today Beto’s disabilities remain under control and he has regained mobility and adjusted to using his new prosthetic leg.  Beto is grateful to VR.  Benito stated “I was heading toward depression; because I thought I could no longer work, but VR changed everything”.  Beto’s back to work, and if you’re ever in Jackpot, stop by Club 93 and try out the buffet, Beto helps to prepare it!

Sherry Johnson Region 5

Sherry has been involved with Vocational Rehabilitation since she graduated from Special Education in 1979. Her disabilities include many mental and cognitive challenges as well as Bilateral Knee Arthrosis, a heart defect from birth, and a Seizure Disorder. Her functional limitations include: difficulty remembering, low level of knowledge, distractibility, anxiety, inability to read or write at functional levels, difficulty following instructions, difficulty maintaining emotional stability, low self-esteem, immature level of interpersonal skills, limited judgment, low level of problem solving skills, limited marketable skills, and limited ability to bend or kneel. 

Sherry had been working under a Federal contract with a Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP), New Day Products, in an enclave of 4 people since 2002 as a custodian.  The contract was decreased and her wages were cut from $8 to $4.  Sherry heard about a position at Portneuf Medical Center from another co-worker, which was full-time, and she applied.  Sherry interviewed with the Human Resource Director at Portneuf Medical Center.  The director had worked with Community Rehabilitation Program, and was, therefore, familiar with use of a job coach in similar circumstances and she realized Sherry would need a job coach if she were hired.  Human Resources contacted Career Connection to do the job coaching and Sherry needed to have an open Vocational Rehabilitation file. 

Sherry made application to Vocational Rehabilitation for the 4th time in her lifetime, to obtain assistance with orientation, learning to use the computer for training and job coaching of the work routine.  She was familiar with the Vocational Rehabilitation process having been a client with this Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in 1980 Since that time Sherry also had a case file with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor in 2002 to place her in Work Services and the enclave.  A working relationship had been developed and a trust that Sherry could re-

Employment related services that were provided to Sherry included a job coach to assist her in learning the job duties of cleaning a hospital room efficiently and correctly. Discussion of part-time or full-time work was brought up as Sherry’s strength was in question. Sherry, her job coach, Human Resources and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor decided on a job assignment at the East Campus Hospital where there would be a slower pace and a more relaxed atmosphere for her to learn the job.  She was started out as part-time filling in for people who were sick.  She gradually worked to her own schedule of full-time.

Her Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor has provided counseling and information to assist her to make appropriate vocational decisions.  She remains on SSDIB, but has no more funding from SSI. Her long term maintenance is now 8 hours per month for full-time. She has decreased her funding needs for support each time and has increased her own wages which has increased her independence.  She has obtained her dream job, working in a major business with good wages and benefits.

She recently said, “I feel Vocational Rehabilitation has helped me to get where I am today.  The hospital has kept my job for me when I had a total knee replacement.  I like all the people I work with”.

Theresa Gardner Region 6

Theresa sees herself as a normal person with a disability, Cerebral Palsy, which affects her mobility and speech. She says, “As a little girl, when asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said a teacher, But as I got into high school, I was told by several people, even “so-called” professionals, that with my disability I couldn’t be a teacher.  So, at first, I went in a different direction”.

Theresa first came to VR during her senior year of high school.  She initially pursued a vocational goal other than teaching but eventually shared with her VR counselor that the future she really wanted was to become a teacher. VR supported her choice and, with counseling and guidance, a school plan was developed so VR could help provide the services for Theresa to reach her “life-long” goal.

All IPE services were completed including assistance with tuition, books, maintenance, transportation, and assistive technology.  With these VR supports, Theresa graduated from ISU with high honors in Business Secondary Education. She began teaching at South Fremont High School in 2006 and reports that she truly enjoys her job.  She says, “Everyone at the school is so supportive!”

Theresa says one of her biggest goals has always been, and still is, to “be just like everyone else and not to be different because she has a disability”.  Now, describing her teaching job, she says, “I am a regular teacher just like all the other teachers in the school.  I teach economics and a couple of computer classes.  I am not given any different treatment by the administration, other teachers or students. I get new students every semester and, after about a week, they don’t even think about me having a disability”. How does Theresa measure her success?  She says, “My students tell me they forget I have a disability.  THAT lets me know I am successful!”

Theresa reports that she always wanted to “get off” SSI benefits. She says, “I am glad (now) to be totally self-sufficient.  VR helped me to accomplish this by providing a way for me to get my education. VR listened when I felt I needed to go a different direction with my career…”. NOW, people who know Theresa well don’t have difficulty looking beyond her disability.  They have difficulty remembering she has one.

Vicki Ramsey Region 7

Vicki R applied for services with diagnosed disabilities of diabetes and obesity, and mental issues of cognitive impairment and depression.  Medical info was gathered.  A current psychological  evaluation was needed so VR scheduled it with results indicating Borderline Intellectual Functioning and Dysthymic Disorder. Vicki displayed a very low self confidence and esteem level and wanted to increase her independence. 

Five counseling sessions with a local psychotherapist to address independence, self esteem and work related issues occurred with very positive results.  CBWA services were provided concurrently with the counseling.  A site was located at Prestige Living where she began working as a kitchen assistant and later as a Dietary aide.  Placement and follow along services were provided after she learned her job duties. She continued to study for her drivers test, passed the test and received her ID driver’s license.  She was saving to buy a car.

When Vicki applied for services last fall, she was very shy and lacked confidence.  As a result of supportive psychotherapy and ongoing counseling and guidance, she has a job now that she enjoys and excels in, her demeanor is brighter and she is glad to be back in the work force again.  The services directly impacted her ability to obtain and retain her position.  Her mental health has improved taking her anti-depressants only when necessary.  She remains stable with her diabetic condition.  She has lost weight and is very pleased with her experience with VR.

She has really blossomed into a beautiful woman as demonstrated by her increased self confidence, taking on difficult tasks outside of her comfort zone and has grown because of it.  She has met challenges in her life and, with VR’s assistance, she seems to have better control of her life.   A little “post employment counseling’ has occurred when she has come by to tell us her progress and express some on-going challenges and how she has dealt with them.  

She came in recently and very proudly showed us an award she was given as a team player demonstrating Excellence in Core Values.  The commendation letter emphasized Vicki’s demonstration of commitment, integrity, trust and respect and gave several specific examples.  The Executive Director praised her for her dedication, initiative, enthusiasm, and someone with a smile that warms your heart. Vicki has been an excellent example of empowerment that has directly impacted her life and growth as a human being, a value paramount to our mission.  I have been honored to meet and get to know Vicki and witness her amazing journey.

Gary “Blue” Becker Region 8

Blue applied for Vocational Rehabilitation services in May of 2007 after being referred by the Dept of Health and Welfare.  His employment background included a variety of positions, or as he put it, “every kind of job you can think of”, most recently circuit board assembly and bartending.  

Blue’s challenges to maintaining employment included Bipolar depression, mild spinal bifida and arthritis of the lower back, and an allergy to nickel and other dye chemicals, causing reactions when handling money and coins. In addition, Blue had left school after the 9th grade, creating academic challenges in his life.  Blue’s favorite activities are working with wood and poetry.

While camping with her family, the VRA in Mountain Home, overheard the Ranger at Bruneau Dunes State Park mention that he needed to fill an employment position at the park.  We contacted Experience Works and Blue. As a joint effort with the Park, we designed an Experience Works placement as a trial work experience so that Blue could be evaluated to see if he was a good fit for the maintenance position there.  Accommodations were made for lifting restrictions and training was hands on, which is a very appropriate learning style for Blue.  Blue’s duties include camp site maintenance, custodial services and painting of the facilities, and other duties, as needed such as trail and brush clearing, etc.  Although the Experience Works plan was intended to go for 3 months, after 6 weeks Brian Cross, the Park Ranger decided to hire Blue permanently.

Since being hired, Blue has gone back to school to complete his GED at night.  He loves his job and hopes to be eligible for future promotional opportunities within the agency by continuing his education.  His wife, Diana, told us that Blue was once in a very dark hole in his life and thanks to VR, Experience Works, and the State Parks, he feels alive again.  Blue wrote a poem entitled “Run Away Train” regarding how he felt while fighting his battle with bipolar disorder.  In it he spoke of how he felt his illness was like a train that was out of control and couldn’t be stopped.  He sought help medically and vocationally and ends his poem in this way…

I know I have a ways to go before that train begins to slow
But with all the help from staff and new found friends
Perhaps this is where my train ride ends.
I say to those who may relate, please get help before its too late.
Sometimes we must all swallow pride if we’re to avoid the long train ride
This I say with all my heart, today’s the perfect time to start.
I beg you now to take control before that damned ole train begins to roll.
This is where my poem must end as I say thanks to new found friends.

Blue Becker 2/2/07

Nannette Wilson Region 9

Nannette was first referred to Vocation Rehabilitation in October of 2007. Since the loss of her mother at a young age, Nannette struggled with Major Depressive Disorder. In addition to this ADHD complicated by Antisocial Personality Disorder created significant barriers for her. Eventually Nannette’s struggles led deeper to a self-destructive pattern of Polysubstance Dependency as well as criminal behavior to support her habits.

Compounding her Mental Health disabilities, Nanette has also faced physical obstacles. She was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism which aggravated her depression and personality disorder. Perhaps the most frightening of her disabilities however took years to diagnose. While incarcerated Nannette would experience intense hearing loss, vertigo, nausea and passing out. She was evaluated several times by Department of Corrections Medical staff without any success in diagnosing her problem. The doctors were so concerned about her condition that they scheduled her to see a private practice specialist. Days before she was schedule to see that specialist the Department of Corrections released her into the community with no resources to follow up on her physical conditions.

Vocation Rehabilitation assisted Nannette in finding a specialist who diagnosed her physical disability causing the intense Vertigo as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Elks Rehab Hospital worked with Nannette to teach her Vestibular Physical Therapy that she used to alleviate the condition. In addition to this VR provided Medication and Medication Management for her Depression and ADHD. Vocational Guidance and Counseling was provided, including working with her employer to understand her conditions and the process leading to recovery. VR also helped Nannette to purchase work clothing and bus passes until she was back on her feet and self-sufficient.

Nannette Wilson has come a long way and is making it all come full circle.  Nannette now works for St. Vincent DePaul in Boise where she helps customers find items to purchase.  She loves her job and gets joy and satisfaction out of seeing people leave the store happy everyday.  She volunteers in her community and is even a mentor through Department of Corrections Therapeutic Community Program. Nannette knows that her past is something that she is not proud of, but works now to help others that were lost just like her. Her commitment to her own recovery and success is only matched by her dedication to help the recovery and success of her peers