SUCCESS STORY OF RUTH QUINONES
DIVISION: DRS/El Paso
Ruth Quinones has the motivation and the sincerity to achieve
her dreams. She hasn’t let mild mental retardation and anxiety
disorder get in the way of her desire to become a floral
decorator in El Paso.
When Ruth came to DARS, she was a high school student with a
limited work history. She had been participating in the school
district’s Small Business Enterprise selling snacks at the local
Workforce Center. She had also been working a short time for a
local Walgreens but was unable to handle the physical demands
for the job. She is not able to stand for long periods of time,
walk long distances or transport heavy items.
Nevertheless, Ruth wanted to become independent and productive
in “the real world.” She decided to attend a vocational training
program at the district’s Vocational Center to obtain the skills
for becoming a floral decorator.
In October of 2006, her Vocational Adjustment Coordinator
referred Ruth to DARS for assistance in obtaining and
maintaining work. Transition Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
Andrew Castillo met with Ruth and her mother to explain DARS
services and help her begin the application process.
Ruth developed a rapport and a trust with Andrew and began to
discuss her goals and dreams. She had always felt discriminated
against because of her disability. Andrew administered tests
that would help him understand Ruth’s potential, with
information on her interests, skills and previous work
experience. Her qualifications matched a total of 57 occupations
she could explore.
Together, Ruth and Andrew agreed that DARS Supported Employment
services would meet her needs and assist her in obtaining and
maintaining the job that she wanted. The service focuses on
consumer needs and interests and identifying suitable job
matches and supports necessary to maintain employment.
Although one of the jobs Ruth applied for didn’t turn out to be
what she was expecting, it didn’t deter her from finding the
very job she wanted. Within a week, Ruth got a call for an
interview with Xicali Imports and was hired as a floral
decorator where she currently assembles flower arrangements,
bows and corsages for special occasions.
Ruth said, “I was never so scared in my life about my first
experience in trying to find a job. I was feeling insecure,
embarrassed, but most of all afraid that people were going to
discriminate against me. My Counselor and the service provider
made me realize I have potential. They believed in me and pushed
me not to give up and continue pursing my dreams. Now I have a
job I enjoy. I have made new friends, but most of all feel I do
not have a disability and can accomplish anything I want with
confidence and a smile. Thank you DARS!”
