Millie Sanchez
My name is Millie Sanchez; I started working at Visions of Hope in October 2008. When I started working at Visions, I could not say a sentence without getting stuck on my words. I was the janitor when I started working here; I did that for two years. I was promoted and started working in the filing room and would cover the front desk during breaks or absences. I got used to talking to strangers on the phone, which made me feel important. I received another promotion, working full time as the administrative assistant for George Duncan and Michael Johnson. I have only been doing this job for two months and I love it.
When I came to Visions, I was shy. Now I’ve blossomed and my speech is a lot better. I answer the phones without embarrassment, sometimes I get stuck on my words but I am fine with it. I love my job and the people that I work with, especially the members. I feel more secure towards myself and my self-esteem is pretty good now, even my faith has become stronger in Christ. When I was a child my mother would for me because she was embarrassed of my speech impairment. She did this for 19 years, and I learned not to talk. It made me feel worthless.
Since I’ve been at Visions of Hope this has been the most that I’ve talked in my life. Answering the phones has taught me to be confident. I’ve had 17 overdoses altogether in my life. At my last job I had an overdose and I got fired. I’m more stable now. This has been the only job that I have had without hurting myself (cutting or overdosing). It is also the first job I’ve kept for more than two years.
If I did not have this job, my pastor’s help, and the strength of my God, I would not be where I am today. God has blessed me. I give credit to James Russo for hiring me and being so patient and caring. Thanks to Visions, I have grown to be a strong and open-minded woman.
