Kimberly Williams is familiar with the challenges surrounding organ
transplant. In October 2001, Kim was focused on scheduling dialysis
sessions and staying alive. She never guessed that four years later, she’d learn what goes on behind the scenes of transplant from a healthcare provider's viewpoint. Yet that's exactly what happened: Kim joined GTF’s JobLink Apprenticeship Program and was offered a position with Transplant Services at the Children's Hospital of Atlanta
(CHOA) at Egleston.
Kimberly Williams
"There is a lot more going on behind the scenes of transplant than I ever realized," says Kim, who tracks and maintains insurance records for CHOA.
Kim received a kidney from her mother in 2005 and began to think about employment. She was worried that her limited education and experience would hurt her in a competitive job market, so she contacted GTF's JobLink Program.
Kim then learned about the new JobLink Apprenticeship Program, which allows clients to receive hands-on experience in a variety of skilled and non-skilled work settings. This program is intended to reinforce the competitive strength of clients' resumes and work skills while improving their opportunity to receive permanent employment.
"I began my Apprenticeship in February," Kim says. "I work in the actual clinic, and every morning I'm greeted by a lot of smiling little faces." She also enjoys the people she works with, "And they're looking at their budget to see if there might be a way for me to remain working here after my Apprenticeship ends," she says.
GTF congratulates Kim and CHOA on their successful JobLink Apprenticeship experience.