Kim

In 2021, ACOF created the Professional Development Program, which helps stabilized tenants build skills and confidence as they pursue full/part-time work, volunteer opportunities, and enroll in educational programs. Through group classes and one-on-one mentorship, the program assists tenants in creating resumes, practicing interview responses, gaining computer proficiency, and building interpersonal skills.

Kim, a tenant at Fox Normandie Apartments, is one of dozens of tenants that have benefitted from the Professional Development Program. Since graduating from the program, she regularly volunteers at two food banks, thereby giving back to the places that helped her before she found a home with ACOF. Kim is also a regular volunteer at Fox Normandie Apartments and helps in the main office two days a week.

Kim says that ACOF’s Professional Development Coordinator has been instrumental in her gaining the professional skills and self-esteem needed to serve her community. “I just really enjoyed her group every week,” Kim says. “The way she teaches you is easy to understand. I just got a lot out of it.”

This story was collected in 2022.