Keshana Dorsey enrolled in the KRA Work Participation, Placement, and Support Services Program on September 12, 2019, after applying to the Baltimore City Department of Social Services (BCDSS) for TANF-TCA benefits.
Two critical Program components include Community Work Experience (WEX) assignments with local private- and public-sector organizations, and a comprehensive Job Readiness Program (JRP) —both of which optimize opportunities for sustainable employment and career development.
Unfortunately, personal circumstances led to Ms. Dorsey leaving the Program when her first WEX assignment ended on November 24, 2019.
On January 15, 2020, having re-enrolled with BCDSS, she began a second WEX-site assignment, only to have it disrupted on March 15, 2020—when COVID-19 restrictions went into effect. However, Ms. Dorsey was able to continue JRP workshops through Google Classroom, which KRA had arranged for in response to the pandemic.
Ms. Dorsey began a third WEX assignment on July 1, 2021, but ended her participation on September 20, 2021—because she started a fulltime job!
Harnessing everything she learned through the JRP, Ms. Dorsey conducted her own job-search, identifying a Clinical Administrative Coordinator position with UnitedHealth Group.
At her request, on August 12, 2021, Mr. Ornanial Cates, KRA Subject Matter Expert, conducted a comprehensive mock interview—to help overcome her anticipated nervousness and to reinforce her “I can do this!” confidence.
A stellar performance on August 16, 2021, led to a second interview, and a third—with the hiring manager, who offered her the job during the interview!
Ms. Dorsey received her official offer letter on August 24, 2021, conveying gratitude with, “I greatly appreciate the passion the staff at KRA have for helping people.”
KRA/Baltimore City is pleased to have provided Ms. Dorsey the resources—guidance, information, and training—she needed to succeed in today’s unpredictable job market.
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Dr. Boone’s 20+ years’ experience in the industry is extensive and her expertise in private-, public-, and non-profit sector workforce-services organizations is unparalleled, particularly in the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan area.
