Kasha: I applaud your sobriety and motivation ot turn your life around. Does the tratment facility offer any support to find work? If not, you might research Jewish Community Centers or similar Catholic or community programs that can provide support and guidance for you to move to the next step. Here's some information from Dress for Success that would be a good place to contact: Dress for Success is able to achieve monumental milestones by rallying the support of each local community. We work with a continually expanding and diverse group of non-profit and government agencies—including homeless shelters, immigration services, job training programs, educational institutions and domestic violence shelters, among many others—to refer women to our organization once they have secured a job interview. We collaborate with more than 5,000 organizations throughout the world who send women to Dress for Success for suiting, career counseling and our full continuum of services.

Best of luck!

Network network & more networking. Felonies are hard to overcome but you can do that because there are many companies that hire people with a felony on their record they may try to low-ball you when it comes to salary but once you prove yourself the salary will increase. Don't worry you will find something. Start by googling companies that hire ex-felons. A whole list of companies from accounting to zoo keeping.

I know Kashaka it's been hard for me to everyday I keep checking email for jobs. I have been turned down four times so far

You are more than your mistakes. You and your kids deserve to move forward, so keep at it! It can be tough to keep looking for jobs, but if you stay focused and keep trying, you'll find something. Talk to as many people as you can about jobs - it may feel awkward at first, but that will get easier as you practice. Talk to customer service people at stores (find out how they got their job), talk to people you know through CNA training, talk to people at church, etc... spread the word. This will work - and like I said, you deserve it. And check back in to tell us how you're doing... we know it can be tough & would like to help.

Hello Kashaka, Congrats on your extended sobriety. Maintaining your sobriety is the backbone to your present and future success with your new family and career. Although it seems like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders don't loose hope because you CAN overcome these challenges but please try to understand that it's going to take dedication and time. CNA and direct care related jobs typically conduct background checks for all their applicants so finding a job in that area right now may not be a realistic strategy. Your better off searching for local shops or restaurants you can walk into and apply directly with the manager or better yet owner. They will be more flexible with the hiring process and are more than likely to offer you an opportunity if you make the right impression. Make sue you have a professional resume prepared, dress up nice, smile apply everywhere; even if you don't see a help wanted sign. Find legal professionals that can counsel you on recovery methods to clear up your background to make you more eligible for healthcare related careers. Look for pro bono or free legal services under your state or local government websites and call the contacts for info and an appointment. You can do it just focus on the positive things going on in your life right now to champion the negatives!

Hi Kashaka: The Jobcase community can definitely help you out! Don't get discouraged - it can be tough with a felony in your background, but the goal here should be being persistent and showing employers that you've turned your life around. Sometimes it comes down to apply to enough jobs and following up on all your applications - these persistent actions alone can lead to a job interview, which leads to a job offer. So hold your head up high! In the meantime, here’s how to see who’s hiring near you:

• Double-click the Jobs button at the top of this page
• Enter the type of job role you're looking for
• Click the blue search button If you see something that looks interesting, just click View Job and follow the instructions to apply. Let us know how it works out for you!