Class of 2018: Crystal Amesquita
Columbus, OH (August 5, 2020) – Digital Works (DW), a program of Connected Nation, hit its 1,000th job placement on July 27, 2020! In celebration, we will be sharing stories of past participants, facilitators, supporters, and funders/partners, along with the history of our program and how it has impacted so many lives.
During the spring of 2018, Crystal Amesquita, a single mother, was ready to get her life back on track. After being in and out of jail over the course of a few years, she reached out to her case manager for help. This is when she was introduced to Digital Works.
“I was tired of selling drugs and looking over my shoulder every single day,” said Amesquita. “I was/am a mother, and I needed to get myself together for my children. So, the day before my release, I signed paperwork to be considered for DW.”
While staying at the Alvis House in Columbus, Ohio, she attended Digital Works classes at the Reeb Center. After a month of hard work, Amesquita graduated from the program in mid-2018 and was the first in her class to get a job interview. She was then hired at Bold Penguin.
Crystal Amesquita and Digital Works Operations Manager, Tammy Spring.
“I have grown so much as a person due to DW; I have learned to value myself as an employee and learned that I can accomplish my dreams,” she said. “DW gave me the push I needed to really get into society the right way and the knowledge of work-from-home positions to be able to do a good job and keep customers happy!”
She has improved her life drastically and is now able to provide for her son and exemplify what a contributing member of society looks like. This program has helped her so much that she even encourages others to enroll.
“I would suggest this program to others because it helped change my life. DW gave me the skills I needed to be successful and gave me the confidence to look past my past and focus on the future,” said Amesquita. “DW gives you the ability to move forward in your life, and the best part is they never go away. Once you have completed a course, you can go back for a refresher. I have people email and check up on me. It's like a family!”
These days, Amesquita works full time remotely for Fortuity, a Columbus-based call center. With the help from Digital Works, she is confident she can do what she sets her mind to.
Crystal Amesquita and Digital Works Operations Manager, Tammy Spring.
“I want to personally thank DW for giving me the opportunity to complete the program. Without DW, I don’t know where I would be now,” she said. “I have had my own place for two years almost. I now have a relationship with one of my daughters and am rebuilding relationships with my family that I thought were long gone. I have taken on the responsibility of another child that needs a positive role model, mother figure. All thanks to Digital Works! So, thank you for helping me to be successful!”
Congratulations Crystal! Best wishes from everyone at Digital Works on your future success. If you are interested in learning more about Digital Works, visit our website www.digitalworksjobs.org