Tag Archives: Portraits of Hope

Portraits of Hope: Administrative Professional Helen Simmons

Helen HeadshotsWith Administrative Professionals’ Day taking place on April 26, we thought it would be appropriate to spotlight one of our own incredibly talented associates. Meet Helen Simmons — a truly exceptional administrative professional.  In fact, Express selected her as the Administrative Employee of the Year in 2012 due to her various talents, flexibility, and strong work ethic.

Helen began working for Express Employment Professionals in 2010 after the economic downturn forced her to close the custom painting business she and her daughter owned in Skagit County, Washington.

Sadly, she eventually lost her home, as well as her business. Desperate for work, Helen remembers calling Express when she realized she had to do something just to cover her basic living expenses.

“They called me back right away and within a few days found me a job,” she said. “I went to work for Express, and I haven’t looked back. Of course, I hope to find that one dream job, but in the meantime, I like the challenge of taking on different positions.”

Some of the other jobs Helen has held include working at a local firehouse as a receptionist and administrative assistant, organizing a dinner and auction which raised $150,000 for a local nonprofit organization, and working for an interior design firm.

What is Helen’s favorite part about being an administrative professional? The people. As Helen says,  “I am a relationship person and so one of the things I enjoy most is getting to meet new people.”

Interested in reading more about Helen and our other incredible associates? Check out Portraits of Hope online.

Portraits of Hope is a book inspired by and dedicated to jobseekers, the hard working, and the individuals who believe that every job, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity to rise above and be more.

 

Portraits of Hope

gI_96155_Portraits Book CoverAs the American economy continues to recover from the Great Recession of 2008, Express Employment Professionals, the nation’s largest privately held staffing firm, released a book titled “Portraits of Hope,” a compilation of inspirational stories from people who have found success despite the shaky economy.  In this book you’ll hear about how Express Employment Professionals has helped people find work and how having a job has made a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others. These encouraging stories are sure to inspire you, highlighting people who seized opportunities to build a better life. Some people were helped by friends and neighbors, while others were guided by faith and determination. Each person persevered through struggle and was able to pick themselves up, find work, and press on.

Some of the individuals featured in “Portraits of Hope” include:

Janice Andrick – Rossville, KS

Janice, born with cerebral palsy, was brought into a society that offered few opportunities for quadriplegics like her, but found hope in the support and therapy provided by the Capper Foundation for Crippled Children in Topeka, KS. There, she also found her first job. The 1990s brought the Americans with Disabilities Act and new technologies that made it possible for Janice to do a wider range of work. Through Express, she found a position doing clerical work with the State of Kansas Department of Disability Services.

Garrett Fairbanks – Kenosha, WI

A native of Kenosha, WI, Garret Fairbanks lost his job during the Great Recession. He found himself homeless, carrying a bag on his back, and selling aluminum scrap just to put money in his pocket. After finding a church program that offered him a place to sleep, Garrett found Express, and within a week after filling out an application, he was hired as a machinist. Today, he’s proud to be financially stable and living in his own apartment. In 2012, he was recognized by Express as the Wisconsin Employee of the Year.

Inder Narang – Northridge, CA

Born and raised in New Delhi, Inder Narang graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering in India, but the only work he could find paid little, and there was no room for advancement. He decided to follow his brother to the United States in hopes of finding a job. But, he soon realized he lacked the necessary experience for the engineering jobs he applied for. He took a job as a department store sales associate. Before moving to L.A., Inder and finding an engineering job through Express — one that he enjoys and allows him to pay the bills.

“Read these stories and you understand why we do what we do,” said Bob Funk, CEO of Express, and a former chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. “Finding people a job so often means giving people hope and a chance at a better future. I’ve seen it over and over: a life can be drastically changed by just one job.

“We feel privileged at Express to have played even a small part in the lives of these remarkable individuals, whose determination to succeed allowed them to overcome tremendous challenges and to make it in America. I’m inspired by them, and I’m sure they’ll inspire others.”

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.