After more than twenty years in healthcare, Tahira never imagined having to start over. But when illness forced her to step away from her career and relocate to Philadelphia, she suddenly found herself navigating the difficult process of rebuilding her life.
“I lost my self-esteem, my motivation, and my focus,” she says. “It was hard to find myself again.”
That changed when Tahira walked into PA CareerLink® at Suburban Station, operated by JEVS Human Services (JEVS), which provides comprehensive services for both jobseekers and employers.
“They did everything they said they would,” she recalls. “They helped me with my résumé, coached me through interviews, and, most importantly, helped me regain my confidence.”
Tahira’s progress wasn’t tied to a single moment. It was the way the team showed up for her. Louis Smith and Kendrick Payne kept her aligned with the right resources and opportunities. Jennifer Fanelli, her Workforce Advisor, helped her see her strengths again and reminded her of what she was capable of. Jahara Russell, Manager of Business and Community Services, encouraged her when she felt unsure. Together, they went above and beyond to support her.
“That team poured into me when I didn’t have much left to give myself,” Tahira says. “Their support helped me move forward when I felt completely stuck.”
That team poured into me when I didn’t have much left to give myself. Their support helped me move forward when I felt completely stuck.
Soon after, Tahira was offered a position with PA CareerLink®. Having seen firsthand how JEVS supports people throughout the community, she knew it was exactly where she wanted to be.
“I felt this was where I was meant to be,” she says.
Paying it forward as a career navigator
Tahira now serves as a Career Navigator, helping others find the same encouragement and opportunity that helped her rebuild her career.
“When you come to Suburban Station, you meet people who genuinely care and invest in helping you achieve your goals,” she says. “That’s what made the difference for me, and that’s what I love about it.”
In her new role, Tahira connects job seekers to training, education, and employment resources. She helps people explore new paths and create plans that can sustain their future, both financially and personally.
She adds that they welcome people who come in without a clear plan. “If someone feels unsure, we work together to identify their interests, strengths, and goals,” she says. “From there, we help them build skills that support long-term growth in both their career and their life.”
Tahira’s work also focuses on awareness, especially in making sure more people know about the free resources available through PA CareerLink® and JEVS. “There’s still a lack of information out there,” she says. “If we can reach more people, we can change lives.”
Helping others overcome barriers
For Tahira, the most rewarding part of her job is helping participants overcome challenges. She recalls one woman she helped who was living in a shelter.
“She needed housing, a job, education, and clothes for interviews,” Tahira says. “Our whole team came together to fast-track her through the system. Within days, she had a résumé, interview outfits, and job interviews lined up.”
That kind of teamwork is what makes PA CareerLink® stand out, she says. “We’ll help you build a plan and move forward.”
Support for every journey
Looking back, Tahira admits she almost didn’t walk into PA CareerLink®. “I thought they couldn’t help someone like me because I had a degree and years of experience,” she says. “But once I came in, I realized how much they had to offer.”
Now, she’s part of that support system herself, helping Philadelphians find confidence, opportunity, and a path forward.
“My story is proof that no matter where you are in your journey, PA CareerLink® can meet you there,” Tahira says. “They helped me find myself again. And now, I get to help others do the same.”
Contact PA CareerLink® to get started
To learn more about support for jobseekers at PA CareerLink®, click this link or visit PA CareerLink® Philadelphia, Suburban Station at 1617 John F Kennedy Blvd, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
