By Teressa Field & Matthew Allen-Morgan
Teressa Field’s story isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about reclaiming a life and becoming an essential part of her community. She currently works in Cleveland County Courthouse, which is home to the third most populous city in Oklahoma. At her current position, she works alongside bondsmen, law enforcement, lawyers, and Judges to post bonds, create and execute bench warrants, and to process order and judgment of forfeiture cases. Her full-time job comes with health, vision, dental, and life insurance, and recently, she was able to purchase a brand new car. By all accounts, she is a valuable asset to Cleveland County Courthouse and the greater community, but the success that she has now didn’t always seem attainable.
Teressa became a member of Thunderbird Clubhouse fourteen years ago. At the time, she was looking for a social outlet in her life that provided the mental health support she needed.
Some time later, during a particularly rough period in her life, she lost her housing. This ended up being a turning point for her, and was the driving force in her attempt at a Transitional Employment (TE) position through Thunderbird Clubhouse.
Teressa on the job!
“I was homeless,” she explained. “I wanted permanent housing; and financially, none of my dreams were going to happen without a steady source of income.” Partnering with Elliot, she created a “plan of action—a map, if you will,” and committed to Thunderbird Clubhouse. “I came to Clubhouse daily and my goal was to assist and become involved in everything at Clubhouse.” Teressa used the Clubhouse as a “training ground for [her] time, energy, mental and social skills,” believing that success there could be continued at a workplace. When two positions opened at the courthouse, she knew it was her chance. “I wanted the TE position. I wanted it so bad that I changed everything about myself to obtain that coveted position.”
After her TE position through Clubhouse ended, the Cleveland County Courthouse elected to hire Teressa into a permanent position under the direction of Cleveland County Court Clerk Marilyn Williams.
“[Marilyn] and Elliot have designed an amazing work environment that includes a chance to be candid with my mental health, and the fears and stigma are reduced due to a team from Clubhouse working with my direct supervisor in the TE program within my work guidelines. What all that means is: I have a two-way team to help develop… and an open door policy to talk about my mental health challenges at work.”
When asked about what the TE and resulting permanent position has brought into her life, Teressa had this to say:
“I am proud of myself. This year, I am not homeless…Clubhouse has literally changed my life in a positive direction with the programs that they made available to other members and I.”
Despite her responsibilities, Teressa still frequents Thunderbird Clubhouse, working alongside other members to help with the work ordered day, and she serves as a mentor of sorts to new TE recruits.
“I show my appreciation by training new TE’s at the courthouse and spending time helping them develop their dreams. This is a full-circle process! Thank you for what you do.”
If you’re interested in the life-changing opportunity of transitional employment or would like more information, please attend a unit meeting and ask to speak with a job placement manager. Together, we can do great things.
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