VR Success Stories

“I am so grateful to my VR counselor for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. I want others to know to never give up and be willing to try other ways to succeed. We are all worth it, no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done. Always look for better tomorrows.”-Sandra, VR Customer

“Aubrey has overcome many obstacles in life, and it has been a joy to be witness to her success in her job and how obtaining employment has had a positive impact on her overall wellbeing.” -Becca Freeburne, VR Counselor

“Ty’s story is a great example of working with students as they transition from school to work. I have enjoyed watching Ty become more independent and witnessing the positive impact that employment has had on his life.” Lorri Dale, VRC

“Voc Rehab has made it possible for me to become very successful.” Jason Millett, VR Customer

“Contacting Voc Rehab for help to become a Certified Peer Support Specialist and was the first real step in achieving a five year goal. Realizing this dream has elevated me to a feeling of completion and accomplishment in having a real and useful place in my community.” Jeannette, VR Participant

“I’ve always liked rocks and minerals. I’ve been fascinated by them my whole life, that’s why I wanted to work for my current employer.” -Caleb, VR Customer

“I feel like I now have the skills and career to be a positive role model for my son, and I can finally provide financial stability, through employment, to my family.”-Duston, VR Customer

"I was as low as you can go, but now, I’m happier with my job than I have ever been. None of this would have been possible without the help of Vocational Rehabilitation.” Mack, IDVR Customer

“I really like my job and I enjoy all the people that I work with. My confidence has grown since I started my job, and I am more comfortable doing things on my own now. At the beginning, I was nervous about cashiering, but I am comfortable now because I was trained how to do it.” – Marli, VR Customer

“The biggest growth that was seen was that as Bryant and Jerek were able to participate in work experiences through VR and eventually maintain jobs, they became more independent in their classes, and they have also gained a better understanding of their abilities and support needs. They have also learned great life lessons about how life isn’t cheap, they need to work for it, and to understand the value of money. These changes didn’t all come at once, but as they built skills and had different experiences with VR it was a snowball effect.” – Payton Berry, Teacher at Madison School District

“Being around the fire fighters and watching them respond to an alarm and leave the station to fight a fire is my favorite part of my job. I do my part to make sure the station is safe and clean. I enjoy being part of the team.” – JP, VR Customer

“We worked with three businesses this year and the goal for next year is to go to a different business each week. There is a great need for employees in our community, and partnering with IDVR for the Summer Work Program has provided the business community the help that they needed.” – Chelsey Campbell, SPED Teacher at Idaho City School District

“Working with VR has been an invaluable program to our company as well as to the students. These students sometimes work out to be the best employees, they are reliable, pleasant to work with, and are eager to work.” – Roberta Larson, Manager, Pizza Pie Cafe

“I love doing what I do. I work directly with the children and their families in the community and within their homes. Each client is unique, and I use whatever modality that seems to work best with each one.” – Charlie, VR Customer

“I like helping customers with their groceries as I may need that help in the future too. All of the managers and staff are very nice people to work with at Albertsons. I am very glad to have my job!” – Raymond, VR Customer

“It has been a great opportunity to partner with VR, and watch as Anthony and others, learn valuable skills through their work experience. This will help the students excel in the vocation of their choice. It has been exciting to see them learn skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Thank you, Lyle and VR, for your efforts in providing high school students a path to achieve success.” - Dan Alvey, Service Manager at Burley Young GMC

“What I enjoy most about my job with the Twin Falls School District is being able to work with students from all different grades. I really like when a student or past student sees me in the community and says hello.”- Jay, VR Customer

“I have had a wonderful experience working with IDVR. They have been one of the few positive support forces I have had since my life had to change due to circumstances beyond my control.” - Kimberly, VR Customer

“I’m grateful to VR for the funding and additional support they provided to me in going to training to obtain my CDL class A license. The support to get my dream job and to be able to get behind the wheel as a successful truck driver has changed my life.” - Nathan, VR Customer

“My experience with Voc Rehab has been nothing short of transformative. I’ve had the opportunity to go through the program twice, and each time, it played a crucial role in helping me secure meaningful employment. Their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental to my success, and I am so grateful for the opportunities they’ve helped me achieve.” – Karla, VR Customer

“ I love nursing and look forward to many years in the field. I get a chance to show love and compassion to a stranger every shift.” Craig, VR Customer

“The Career Quest event offered a higher level of engagement than we've experienced at other career fairs. We were especially impressed by the students’ professionalism, preparedness, and curiosity—they came ready with thoughtful questions and showed genuine interest in our industry. We appreciated the opportunity to connect with such promising talent. What made this event even more valuable was the environment, allowing us to engage with students of all abilities and backgrounds. We look forward to future opportunities to participate” – Alan Longley, Bunker Hill Mine

“We had 45 staff members attend the live Debunking Disability training, and it left a lasting impression. The session challenged assumptions, encouraged honest reflection, and reinforced the importance of seeing each person as an individual, especially when it comes to employment opportunities.” - Taylor Stump, Career Technical Education

“My services from VR have been instrumental in helping me shape my career goals. They have provided me with realworld experiences in media and broadcasting, helping me to see my potential, and offered valuable learning opportunities about the industry. This experience is helping me to prepare for my next step— entering the Media Arts program at the College of Western Idaho (CWI).” -Kyle, Pre-ETS Participant

“The Reality Town at the Meridian office was a success! It was the first time we have ran it in a more intimate office setting and included a financial literacy presentation as well. We had stud ents attend from several Treasure Valley high schools; students even came down from Garden Valley and McCall to attend. It was an amazing partnership between Business Services, Adult Program, and the Pre-ETS teams to make this event a success!” – Mackenzy Starkey, Pre-ETS VR Counselor

“Our goal is to prepare students with the skills needed to apply for a job, ace the interview, and thrive in their chosen career field. Confidence is a vital soft skill required in every stage of this process. The transformation in students' confidence from the first day to the final sale was remarkable.” - Jayce Potter, VR Coordinator

“I am proud to say that working with VR made all the difference between being a success and not, with the helping hand of Tara (Delbert’s VR Counselor).”

VR Services helped Benny refine her interview skills and gain confidence in her abilities. She is now successfully employed as a drafter and looking forward to advancing her career in the field

“The biggest impact through VR was the Vocational guidance helped me to obtain better test scores and graduate with honors. Vocational Rehabilitation was also instrumental in helping me gain my internship at HP that enabled me to move into a full-time position. My relationship with my team is great. I feel like this team is a good spot to be in. There is a lot of growth opportunity. The other members of my team are great about teaching me new things and helping me learn the ins and outs of my role. They are all very supportive of my goals for my career.” Jacob, VR Customer

"RC Pawn continues to remain open and operating. Randy is able to confidently serve his customers and his rural community”. Tim Williams, VR Counselor

“I’m excited about my future. I’m forever grateful to Voc Rehab and their continuous support and encouragement, which extends beyond me, reaching my sons, who witnessed my struggle, and reaching the community, who now read my stories”. Rebecca, VR Customer

“Connor and his mom are really grateful for the assistance provided by Vocational Rehabilitation. Connor has gained work and social skills that have increased his self-esteem and confidence to be a productive member of society. Connor is doing what he loves and earning a wage that will help him become independent.” Carol Foutz, VR Counselor

“Lauren is a great example of a young person who is not afraid to try. He overcame challenges to get to where he is at. He listened to supervisors and accepted feedback. Now he is a valued team member and one of the hardest working employees on the crew!” Kent Ireton, VR Counselor

“Vocational Rehabilitation has made a significant impact in my life by providing me with a way to gain back my independence by helping me return to the work. VR helped me immensely with the ability to navigate resources and other agencies who specialized in providing assistance to individuals with disabilities. This support was truly life changing. Thank you to VR for making it possible for me to maintain my independence and keep doing what I love!” – Brian, VR Customer

“Voc Rehab helped me so much with getting my training and gaining the skills I need to grow our business and serve our community. The staff at Voc Rehab were great and helped me so much during the process. – Devin, VR Customer

“Workday Wednesdays started with the Treasure Valley Pre-ETS Team, who wanted students to hear about real careers straight from the professionals working in them. What began as a creative way to connect with students during the summer quickly grew into a statewide effort, with VR team members and employers teaming up to provide fun and engaging informational interviews. It gave students across Idaho the chance to explore different career paths and hear real stories that can help guide their future decisions.” Caleb Tibbetts, Pre-ETS Supervisor

“My counselor helped me see where my strengths and weaknesses were. Assessing my skills helped me to believe in my abilities. Throughout this process, I felt I was working with a competent, professional person.” Janet, VR Participant

“Throughout my education, my VR Counselor worked with me to ensure I had the accommodations and tools I needed to succeed – not just academically, but in the workplace too. Today, I serve as the State of Idaho’s Apprenticeship Program Developer after receiving a promotion last year. “