Kim Jacobson heard about Mendocino Works through a friend of hers who had received assistance after being laid off from Georgia Pacific in Fort Bragg. She thought maybe they could help her find a job.

Kim hadn’t worked in the last six years so she was “pretty panicked.” But as soon as she walked into the Mendocino Works Employment Resource Center, the helpful support she encountered put her at ease.

Although Kim was a little apprehensive about taking the assessment tests MPIC required, she was surprised and happy with the results, finding the feedback it gave her was very accurate.

MPIC’s Jackie Matson had Kim take part in a weeklong workshop that included how to write a resume, and sound practical advice on interviewing skills. Kim found working with others in the same boat as herself very helpful, and she highly recommends the workshops to others needing these vital skills.

Before Kim was even done with the workshop, MPIC informed her they had an interview lined up for her with Coast Healthcare Supply. Then she thought, I don’t have the right clothes! MPIC was able to then send her shopping for the interview, through the help of Mervyn’s Community Closet program. Kim not only found the perfect interview attire, but enough for her first week on the job.

When Kim finished shopping in Ukiah, she went back to Fort Bragg for her interview. Within a few hours, Coast Healthcare called to tell her she got the job. Not bad for a day’s work!

Kim was hired to do Medicare billing for Coast Healthcare Supply, who supply hospital beds, oxygen, wheelchairs, and durable medical equipment for in-home patients or accident victims.

Kim needed training for the job, and MPIC was able to place her at Coast Healthcare through an on-the-job contract, saving them half the training wage for six months.

MPIC called both Kim and her employer many times during the process to ensure things were working out well. Kim comments, “They have great follow up—they’re really thorough about everything. I feel they really care about their people.” And John Oakley couldn’t be happier with his new employee: “Actually, Kim is a godsend for us—she really digs in and does the billing, and all the research that goes along with that. The whole program really helped us out, and with the financial incentives, it makes it so much easier. In fact, I just called Jackie at MPIC again this morning about getting another employee.”

Kim was also sent for training through her employer in Santa Rosa to be a “Post-Mastectomy Fitter” —a person who fits breast cancer victims with prosthetic devices. Kim finds this very rewarding, and is grateful to be learning so many new skills in the growing medical field. She hopes to continue to learn and grow in the industry.

Kim Jacobson & John Oakley