Hope Services:

When your career path hits an obstacle.

By Ashley Hunt

I'm very excited to write about Hope Services, as they have been a great aid to me personally. My employment specialist has been absolutely kind, professional and helpful.

What is hope services?

Hope Services is officially called a "vocational service organization" but they do so much more than that. They specialize in jobs for people with disabilities, or trouble finding work. I found them through Florida Vocational Rehabilitation, but they also work with the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. In addition to helping find work, Hope services puts attention to helping build confidence, hone skills and match job seekers with positions that fit their talents and interests.

Sarina Fazan has her own connections. On her show, On The Record, Sarina was able to speak with former house of representatives' member Jackie Toledo. Through the Stateswoman, Sarina learned of Hope Services and the good work they have done. She was so moved, she set out meet the Hope Services team herself. Not long after, she was able to connect with Erica Leonard. Sarina featured her once again On the Record.

I have been able to speak with some members of the Hope services team, and find what sets them apart from other services.

David Caldas; Executive Director of Operations and Cindy Bray; Executive Director

What brought you to Hope Services?

David: I worked my whole life up to it. Starting with rehabilitating people from the criminal justice system, on to another job, but when that closed down from COVID, I met Cindy, who integrated me into the Hope Service team. From there, I acquired a leadership position.

Cindy: I actually founded Hope services. My daughter was disabled and couldn't find work. There were no good programs that took into account her strengths and weaknesses. I wanted to fix it, so in 2003, I was able to establish Hope Services.

What is your favorite part of your job?

David: Seeing the smiles and pure joy of watching the clients succeed. I love when they realize the pride of finding a job they love and turning it into a career.

Cindy: Now, I do a lot of CEO work, and meetings with corporations. But the best part that really makes my day is having someone return to say they got a job they love.

What would you say is your favorite part of working for Hope services?

David: The Positive Environment. Everyone loves working here, they want to be here and truly look forward to doing their job. I love that I can count on them and feel at ease they feel they can come to me. We really look after each other, and our clients.

Cindy: All the lives we touch, and the people we're able to help. Whether it's kids who just graduated, or someone with disabilities. We also help people who were victims of abuse and trafficking. We change lives one person at a time.

What would you say is the biggest benefit of working with Hope services?

David: We're expanding regularly. Opening more locations and adding more amenities. We've been able to add hands on training and certifications. We are looking to expand to another location soon as well. Our goal is to branch out every five years and keep growing around the Hillsborough area to reach more people.

Cindy: I'm really proud of the vocational training center we recently opened up. It's going to help us reach even more people.

What would be the best advantage for someone looking for a program like Hope Services?

David: We are much more client focused than some other places. We want to help you succeed not just in a job, but a career that is fulfilling for you. Other places would just set you up in Walmart or a fast-food job and write it off as complete. But we want to set you up for success.

Cindy: Individualism. We overlook past problems and disabilities and focus on interests and talents of the client. We aren't looking to just place someone in a job, but a career they can be proud of.

For me personally, I have absolute gratitude to Hope Services. My coach has been so understanding, compassionate and empathetic. She helped me pinpoint what work would best suit my talents and limitations and found suitable placement. It was very thorough, and fast. Just weeks after meeting with Erica, I was given a week of classes about interviews. Less than a month after, I had OJT and was job ready. I am so grateful for all the opportunities opened up to me with Hope Services.

Hope Services also has outreach programs such as Dance your dreams; a semi-formal dance event for clients aged 14 and older.

You can learn more about Hope Services, and get in touch with the team here: hopegetsjobs.org