04/13/2026
“This Is What a Second Chance Looks Like 💙 Real Stories. Real Change. Real Opportunity.”
I’m Amanda Thompson and this is my second chance story
When I had gotten help for my mental health and addiction, I knew my next goal in life was to get a job. I had never really had one before. I attempted but was never able to stay there long due to my mental illness.
I was in services at the HRC at the time and expressed to my therapist that I wanted to work, but I had no idea how to get one being a recovering addict with no work experience. Who would want to hire me?
My therapist told me about a program they had there at HRC called IPS. She said they can help you find a job and support you in this process. I got enrolled with IPS and had an amazing Employment Specialist; her name was Michelle. She supported me and encouraged me every step of the way. To be honest I was scared and I don’t know if I would have been able to do it without support from her. She helped me with my applications, and I made a resume for the first time, she even helped me practice what I would say in my interview.
One of the jobs I put an application in for was Circle K. I had someone close to me that worked there an offered to put in a good word for me. She explained to Starla who the store manager at the time was that I had no work experience due to struggling with a mental illness and addiction, but I had been working my butt off in my recovery and wanted a chance to show that I would do the same at work.
Starla hired me and not only did she give me a chance she worked with me so that I could attend meetings and therapy. She started me out at 15 hours a week stalking the cooler so I could get used to the job, and when I felt comfortable enough, she would put me on the register. Within the first few months I was on the register and then worked my way up to assistant manager.
I couldn’t believe that I had made it that far. I stayed there for 3 years. One day while I was working there Michelle came into the gas station and said there is a job opening at HRC for a Recovery Support Specialist, and she knew that was a dream of mine to work at HRC and to be able to help people the way they had helped me. She said to apply.
I ended up getting that job and left Circle K on good terms and Starla even offered to give HRC a recommendation for me. I never in a million years would have thought that I would be working at my dream job and helping people. I am so very thankful for Michelle and Starla. They gave me a new life.
You would not believe the impact you can have on someone’s life just by giving them a second chance.
