Kimberly
Hickman
Buena Vista County
Fort Dodge Area Office
When I worked in a manufacturing plant, I was diagnosed with Multiple
Chemical Sensitivity. As a result, I was unable to work in any position
that required handling chemicals of any kind. I also had a PET scan which
indicated parts of my brain were dead and I was having problems remembering
things. I also had tremors which caused me to shake all the time.
Services that were provided to me included counseling and college training.
Work clothes were purchased for me. I went to Iowa Central Community College
in Storm Lake and obtained an Associate of Arts degree in human services
and then went to Buena Vista University in Spencer and obtained a Bachelor
of Arts in human services, psychology and sociology.
I was encouraged by the vocational rehabilitation counselor and others
and graduated cum laude. I was employed at Hope Haven in Spencer, working
with mentally challenged for 8 months. Then I experienced problems with
my hip and my vocational rehabilitation counselor kept my file open and
kept encouraging me to keep sending resumes out and something would happen.
I am now employed with the Storm Lake School District, working with children
and I love my job.
If it wouldn’t have been for the services that I had received,
that would not have happened at all. So, please keep these services for
those who need it so that they can achieve what I have. Thank you very
much for all that you have done.
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