When Mrs. Tetiana arrived in the United States in September 2023 as an asylee from her war-torn country, she carried a heart full of hope and a lifetime of experience. In Ukraine, she had devoted 31 years to nursing and spent 20 years as a self-employed apartment renovator. But in her new home, her professional background seemed to vanish—her skills lost in translation, her qualifications unrecognized. Six months later, the harsh reality of finding work as a Ukrainian asylee began to take its toll.

Everything began to shift in March 2024, when she learned about us and our government-supported Practical Approaches to Self-Sufficiency (PASS) project. The initiative was created to help unemployed Afghan and Ukrainian refugee women achieve financial independence through meaningful employment. Feeling uncertain but determined, Mrs. Tetiana reached out and connected with Diana, our Ukrainian Job Developer.

From the first conversation, Diana offered more than just career advice—she offered understanding and hope. She listened closely to Tetiana’s story and quickly recognized the value beneath the surface. Together, they redefined her past: her nursing career reflected compassion, quick thinking, and resilience; her renovation work showed strong project management and adaptability.

When Mrs. Tetiana shared her desire to become a forklift driver like her husband, Diana immediately began applying to jobs on her behalf, submitting applications to five companies and even landing a screening call with DHL Supply Chain in Mechanicsburg. Though no interviews followed, Diana encouraged her to keep moving forward. She enrolled in ISC’s Vocational English Language Training (VELT) classes to strengthen her communication and interview skills. These sessions improved her English, boosted her confidence, and renewed her sense of purpose.

While Mrs. Tetiana diligently attended VELT, Diana continued the job search behind the scenes. She discovered an opportunity close to Tetiana’s home and contacted both the company and their staffing agency. With Diana’s support, Tetiana applied for an electric assembler position.

The breakthrough finally came a month later, and she was invited to an interview.

Determined to support her every step of the way, Diana accompanied her to the interview, ensuring clear communication and easing any nerves. When Mrs. Tetiana received the job offer, Diana guided her through the hiring paperwork, making the onboarding process smooth and stress-free.

After months of uncertainty, Mrs. Tetiana began working full-time at Phoenix Contact in Middletown, earning $19.25 an hour. But this was more than just employment—it was a turning point. A new beginning. A foothold in a country that was slowly becoming home. The job symbolized stability, dignity, and renewed hope for her and her family.

Today, she looks back and is deeply grateful for ISC and the PASS project. She acknowledges that, with limited English, she would not have reached this milestone without their dedication. They didn’t just help her find work—they helped her rebuild her confidence and reclaim a sense of purpose.

The American promise, once delayed, had finally begun to take root in her life. Mrs. Tetiana’s journey is a powerful testament to her resilience—and to the transformative power of personalized, compassionate support for newcomers seeking a fresh start.