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Success Stories
Monday through Friday, you can find Kelly Tischner on one of the top floors of the IDS Center in Downtown Minneapolis, working with legal assistants in her job as a General Office Clerk at Lindquist & Vennum law firm. But just a few years ago, Kelly’s life looked much different. She never held a job, had no GED and was just getting out of jail and treatment due to substance abuse.
When Kelly came to Twin Cities RISE!, she didn’t know what to expect from it. “When I first came, I was just there to get out of my sober living house,” Kelly says. “But the empowerment classes really opened my eyes a lot.”
Personal Empowerment was key to helping Kelly find strength, confidence and responsibility after many years of struggles. “I regulate emotions every day,” Kelly says. “With Personal Empowerment, it stays with you and you don’t forget.” In 2011, Kelly was honored with the TCR! Robert Morris Empowerment Award for being a model of Personal Empowerment on the job and in life.
While at TCR!, Kelly was able to get custody of her four boys. She moved out of her father’s home and into her own place. After an internship and contract work, she was hired full time at Lindquist & Vennum. And, as of April 2012, Kelly has been sober for four years.
“I learn more every day and I expand my skills every day,” Kelly says of her job. “It gives me something to look forward to every day. It shows my kids responsibility. It’s an all-around positive thing to be working.” Kelly hopes to go back to school, and possibly become a paralegal.
She now knows that the goals for her life and her children are attainable by staying empowered and committed. “Before, I used to do drugs and I wasn’t there for my kids,” Kelly says. “Now, I’m there every day.”
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