Veloris ‘Milly’ Richards’ Story
Veloris 'Milly' Richards
“When I found out about StepUp, I was apprehensive. What could StepUp do for me, really?”
Even though she was nervous about starting something new, the bills needed to be paid and she needed a job. “I had to put aside my fear and get out there. StepUp definitely prepared me for what was ahead.”
Before StepUp, Milly had years of experience working in the administrative and retail fields. She also worked in food services for six years – that is, until the pandemic hit. Like many of us, COVID-19 caused Milly to reconsider her future. Because of the health risks and other factors, she stepped out of the workforce for a bit. Now, she needed a job but she also wanted a change. She was nervous about getting back to work, and her confidence was now at an all-time low. "All I was seeing was retail and food service related. I made a vow that I won't be doing those jobs anymore.”
After some hesitations, Milly became part of StepUp and was quickly hired through our BUILD apprenticeship. Milly's BUILD position at ReCity Network was the positive experience she needed. "The BUILD position helped to ease me into the comfort zone I was looking for. Being there I felt very comfortable, and it also gave me insight into what I can do for my community.”
This opportunity turned out to be the perfect next step and helped prepare her for a new career path. Through one of StepUp’s existing employer partners, Milly was recently hired in the Human Resources Department with The Forest at Duke.
For Milly, it’s been an exciting journey. She shared that she was initially filled with doubts but that was only temporary. “At the end of it all, I felt empowered. I felt like I could go and do anything because of the support and the acknowledgement that I got from the people at my apprenticeship at ReCity.”
Now that Milly is back to working full-time, her confidence has been renewed. She is also one of StepUp’s biggest cheerleaders and is always encouraging others in her community to get involved with our programs. “I have no fear as to what's out there, because I know that if I should feel like I'm going down, I know who and where to go to help me get back up.”
