LaCrystal Brown owned her own cleaning business for 25 years, and although she appreciated the opportunities and challenges owning a business had brought, she felt that it was time for a career change. “I hadn’t been in an office in 30 years, so I needed to be in an office environment and work on my computer skills,” says LaCrystal. She applied for the Senior Community Service Employment program (SCSEP) at National Able Network and quickly began her new journey.

Lourdes Holguin, LaCrystal’s career coach, made sure that she went through National Able Network’s JUMPSTART training program. LaCrystal learned all about resume development, getting through Applicant Tracking Systems, interview preparation, LinkedIn, and so much more. “The resume workshop helped me the most because it really worked. I had an impressive resume, but needed help adjusting it and it did that,” says LaCrystal.

As she worked on her job search and computer skills, LaCrystal was placed the American Job Center of North Aurora. She was able to put her new skills to use right away! LaCrystal says, “It has helped build my confidence, and I’ve gained more workforce skills. Now, I’m helping people with resumes and getting them on the right websites for job search. Also, I’m giving out resources to the people that need them, and understanding the different [workforce] programs while working with a diverse population.”

A Resource Coordinator position opened up at National Able Network and LaCrystal applied. Her hard work paid off and she was hired! LaCrystal’s advice to older people seeking employment is, “Never give up! You’re never too old to learn something new – whatever your passion is.”