At Dollar Tree, Helen built the confidence to chase a new goal

Helen has worked at the Dollar Tree for 2 years.

For nearly two years, Helen has been a familiar face at the Dollar Tree where she works — keeping the store clean, organized and looking its best as a recovery specialist, and more recently stepping in as a backup cashier.

"I like interacting with customers and seeing people," Helen said of the job, "and I've made good friends with the staff where I work."

Dollar Tree store manager Diane said Helen's presence has shaped the team in ways that go beyond her job description.

"Helen has brought a joyful atmosphere to our workplace," Diane said. "She is a great addition to our team and it's fun working with her."

A goal years in the making

Helen has been a client at Centerforce since October 2023, working closely with employment specialist Tina M. throughout her time at Dollar Tree.

"I've known Tina for a long time, and I trust her," Helen said.

That support has helped Helen build the kind of independence she's been after all along.

"I just want to be like everyone else," Helen said. "I want to go to work every day, and I want to do something for myself."

Along the way, Helen picked up a new skill, learning to be a cashier and taking on those shifts at the register. 

Diane, for her part, has seen the fit at Dollar Tree firsthand. Asked what she'd tell other businesses considering a partnership with Centerforce, she didn't hesitate.

"Partnering with Centerforce means you get someone who truly loves being part of their community," she said, "and that positive energy carries right into the workplace."

A new chapter begins

Helen also had another goal in mind — one she talked about often with her Centerforce team: working with children in a daycare setting.That goal recently became a reality. Helen has started a new job at a local Tacoma daycare, taking on two to three days a week in a childcare role — while continuing at Dollar Tree on Fridays.

It's early days in the new position, but for Helen, it marks the next step in a goal she'd been working toward for some time. She'll continue drawing on the same qualities that made her a valued part of the Dollar Tree team: showing up, connecting with the people around her and doing something that's hers.