Search, Inc. is pleased to introduce you to our new No Boundaries  – Train for Work, Train for Life Trainer, Laurie Finnegan!  We had an opportunity to ask Laurie a few questions so we could all get to know her better.

1.  Start off with the line, “If you really knew me, you would know that…”

If you really knew me, you would know that I grew up overseas and didn’t move to the U.S. until I was 14 years old. I have lived in the Caribbean, Africa, and several countries in Western Europe. I would love to be able to travel more in the future!

2.  How did your path lead you to Search, Inc.?

I started volunteering at No Boundaries in the summer of 2014 as a Mentor, but left to complete my Masters degree in Social Work. Now that I have graduated and become a Licensed Social Worker, I am returning to No Boundaries as the Trainer. I couldn’t be more excited!

3.  What is your most memorable moment involving No Boundaries?

When I volunteered as a Mentor, I was able to practice using public transportation with participants by going on several trips on the CTA bus, which was really enjoyable! On one trip, a few participants and I traveled to the Levy Center in Evanston to register for free and reduced fare Ventra cards. On this trip, we were able to discuss our interests, hobbies, and dreams for the future, all while trying to stay dry from the rain! It was a really great day.

4.  What are your goals, hopes, dreams for what you will accomplish here?

As the No Boundaries Trainer, I am hoping to really focus on using an individualized approach with each No Boundaries participant, to assist each participant to set and accomplish meaningful, measurable goals that will benefit them in work, in community living and in life!

5.  What is a success story, large or small, that you have seen while you’ve been here or been involved?

During my time as a volunteer mentor, I was able to participate in celebrating the success of a participant who secured a job at Wal-Mart. Joining him in jumping up and down with joy was really fun, and knowing how much work he had done to achieve his goal made me want to be involved in the program even more.

6. What else?

I can’t wait to get to know each of the participants and their supporters better, and work together to achieve success!