Put your best face forward: Goodwill, salon boost confidence of disabled job-seekers

Rebecca Malone

Friday, June 29, 2001 | 4:10 a.m.

Kathy Hannan's life was turned upside down when her back was injured in a car accident in 1994.

She had a good job, a new car, extra money and perfect credit that all disappeared, along with her ability to work.

More than six years later, Hannan, 43, is attempting to re-enter the work force with the aid of Goodwill of Southern Nevada Inc. and Euphoria Salon and Day Spas.

Goodwill has programs designed to train individuals with disabilities or other disadvantages in office, retail and processing skills, then offer job placement services.

"I feel I can go back to work now if someone will give me a chance," Hannan said. "Goodwill has really helped me out. They have been a godsend. They take me on my job interviews and find job leads for me. They help me with the basic needs. It's like having a friend."

Hannan has gone on six interviews so far this month and has many more planned. Mary Evilsizer, executive director of Southern Nevada Center for Individual Living, believes that the only thing these people need is an employer that will take a chance on them.

"The most important thing is to see the person first and the disability second," Evilsizer said. "Then, look at the capabilities of the person."

In an effort to get employers to see the person first, Euphoria has teamed with Goodwill to provide free make-overs for individuals who are considered graduates of the job training program. The graduates have the chance to get their hair cut, colored and permed and have their makeup done.

"I am a firm believer in make-overs," Evilsizer said. "I think make-overs help to lift the spirits and have a tendency to build self-esteem."

Building self-esteem is exactly what Hannan was looking to do when she went in for her make-over this week. After being skinny, 100 pounds for most of her life, it was hard for her to adjust to the weight gain that occurred from taking medication for her back, she said.

Hannan said she needs to work at a casino to keep her union pension. She believes it will be difficult getting a job in a casino.

"They want skinny, young girls," Hannan said. "I get nervous in interviews because I am self-conscious about myself. I think this (make-over) will help my self-esteem a lot. I look in the mirror and think I can go out and get a job."

Kate Payne, director of Vocational services for Goodwill, said the casinos usually look for someone who has a very personable and outgoing personality.

"The more confident you are in a job interview the better chance you have to get the job," Evilsizer said. "Their nervousness is multiplied three times because a person with a disability knows (employers) will see the disability and not them."

Ed Guthrie, executive director of Opportunity Village, agrees that it is difficult for people with disabilities to obtain jobs in Las Vegas.

"We need people who can serve customers. We are a customer service town," Guthrie said. "But the unemployment rate in Nevada for people with severe disabilities is unacceptable."

Goodwill was able to place 156 individuals with disabilities and other disadvantages in 2000, giving them a 60 percent success rate, said Payne. Howard Castle, southern district manager of the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, said 453 people were placed in jobs between July 1, 1999 and June 30, 2000.

"Everything really depends on the person. Each one has their own circumstances they have to work through," Steve Chartrand, president and CEO of Goodwill, said. "Some have never had a job, and some could have a really good work resume but are at a point where they are looking for a job."

Hannan has the resume, but she also has to answer as to why she has been out of work.

"You are stuck between a rock and a hard place because you have to tell them what you have been doing while you haven't been working, but you don't want to tell them about the disability because they think you are a liability," Hannan said.

Joe Lamarca, co-owner of Euphoria, said he is trying to do his part to boost peoples' self-esteem by implementing the make-over program.

"I really believe in giving people second and third chances, and this is a good opportunity to help the less fortunate," Lamarca said. "The people that work for me enjoy it, too. They feel like they are helping people in the community."

Lamarca said the make-overs cost the salon around $50 to $60 a person, and he would continue to offer it to Goodwill graduates as long as they need it.

"I feel like a queen for a day," Hannan said. "I feel like I can take on the world. This is the most human I have felt in a long time. I haven't been able to do something like this for myself in ages."