Local Non-Profit One Life at a Time Empowers Job Seekers

With the unsteady economy, people from all over the area, and even the country, are turning the Braintree-based non-profit One Life at a Time for not just the job search basics like résumé writing and networking, but for the much needed support and confidence building.

"We strive to help people feel good about themselves again," said David Doyle, Business Development at One Life at a Time

One Life at a Time started in 2008 in Rockland and moved its headquarters to 400 Washington Street, Braintree, in January. The 10 staff members have worked with 8,000 unemployed and underemployed people since Chris Driscoll O'Neill started the charity.

One Life at a Time offers various classes everyday like using LinkedIn, introduction to Word, speed interviewing and goal setting. They also provide one-on-one career counseling. All services at One Life at a Time are free with the exception of Quickbooks and Microsoft Office certifications, which cost a fee.

The organization also offers an intensive three-week program called Job Ready. The Job Ready program meets twice a week for three weeks and covers all aspects of the job search. Between 40 and 60 people enroll in the program each time it's offered.

The clients at One Life at a Time are diverse in many ways, ranging in education level from doctorates to high school diplomas and in experience for lawyers and CEOs to hourly employees. 

O'Neill, who shared her story in a new book called In Search of Justice, funds most of the foundation with money she won in a whistleblower lawsuit against her former employer, Serono.

The former medical technician has experienced plenty of ups and downs in her career. She's built and lost a business and struggled to find work. With the money from the lawsuit, O'Neill is helping people get back to work.

"We know how they feel," said Doyle. "A lot of us have been through it."

That includes Doyle, a sales and marketing professional who came to One Life at a Time after loosing his job. O'Neill hired him and now he uses his experience and connections to bring people together with hiring companies.

With so much bad news about unemployment, the staff at One Life at a Time revels in the good news.

Doyle told the story of a Rhode Island man in his 60s, who was traveling north to work with One Life at a Time. Because of his age, the man was unsure he'd be able to find meaningful employment.

At a One Life at a Time networking event, he met someone who connected him with Sovereign Bank. He eventually interviewed and got the job.

"He's a very happy man today," Doyle said of the client.

Office manager Peter Driscoll recalled one man who was in danger of losing his house, but his persistence led to employment. Phone calls from someone who got a job are a bonus at One Life at a Time.

"That's what makes your day," said Driscoll. Sometimes, a successful interview literally leads to party at the office.

Another client was waitressing while looking to return to the administration field. She got a job and has now referred friends to One Life at a Time. Driscoll said word of mouth has been the organization's biggest marketing tool.

"They can't believe it works," Driscoll said of perspective clients. "They can't believe it's free."

Learn more about One Life at a Time at 1lifeatatime.org.