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By Mary Richards, Church News
Marsha Tiemann of Riverton, Utah, had been having a hard time finding the right job while also struggling with her health. So she took a step back from working during the pandemic — but that meant a gap in her work experience.
As she looked at moving forward, her bishop referred her to the Deseret Industries job training program.
Deseret Industries, or DI — which recently turned 85 years old — has 46 thrift stores in eight states. The organization helps people with barriers to employment get skills, education and experience.
At the DI at Welfare Square in Salt Lake City, Tiemann worked with a job coach trainer. One day, she and her trainer spoke with a development counselor, and this led to an opportunity to work at the Transitional Services office at Welfare Square.
Transitional Services has seven locations in the United States. The program helps individuals stabilize their lives and transition back into society — regardless of their religious affiliation — through a holistic approach to self-reliance.
“At the Transitional Services office, I got to work with those experiencing homelessness and those recently exiting corrections,” Tiemann said. “I have had several special experiences while working there. I will treasure them all, but one thing is for certain: many hearts were touched, including mine.”
Tiemann said the missionaries who volunteer at the office are “one of a kind.” They provide information, encouragement, counsel and assistance.
While Tiemann was working at the Transitional Services office, the manager connected her with a temporary position as compliance editor with Utah Community Action, a large nonprofit organization in Utah. This opportunity also gave Tiemann more work experience while she continues to volunteer at Transitional Services.
In 2023, Tiemann discovered that the health problem she had been struggling with before the pandemic was stage 4 breast cancer.
“Volunteering at Transitional Services brings me a sense of relief and fulfillment that I need during this time,” Tiemann said. “I have gotten to know the individuals there really well and feel that I make an impact in their lives. I love serving there and the opportunity to give back and help provide blessings to others. It’s such a special place.”
According to the latest Caring for Those in Need annual report from the Church, in 2022, Transitional Services assisted 7,464 individuals. More than 31,870 hours of service were given by volunteers.
Also, 9,186 Deseret Industries associates served in 2022.
Those who would also like to help in these efforts can go to JustServe.org or use the JustServe app and find local nonprofit and community agencies serving those leaving correctional facilities, experiencing homelessness or recovering from addiction. Donating to and shopping at Deseret Industries helps promote its job training programs. Senior service missionary opportunities are also available in Welfare and Self-Reliance programs.
Copyright 2024 Deseret News Publishing Company.