LIHU‘E — When pain, environmental sensitivities, fatigue and cognitive dysfunction took over Karin Zoe Mendoza’s world, her successful window washing enterprise came to an end. She was unable to maintain any kind of regular scheduling, and with two teen-aged children
LIHU‘E — When pain, environmental sensitivities, fatigue and cognitive dysfunction took over Karin Zoe Mendoza’s world, her successful window washing enterprise came to an end.
She was unable to maintain any kind of regular scheduling, and with two teen-aged children to care for, Mendoza applied for Social Security benefits to help provide for the children.
But she was still determined to be productive and independent.
“I don’t know what to say,” Mendoza said, tears of appreciation and gratefulness welling in her eyes. “The people at the Kaua‘i Branch of the state Department of Human Services Vocational Rehabilitation and Services for the Blind Division were very encouraging.”
Mendoza said from her very first phone call, the staff was always encouraging.
Through the assistance of the vocational rehabilitation office and VR specialist Laurel Brier, Mendoza carved out a profession that expanded her capabilities and placed her into an environment that is conducive toward her limitations.
“I work very part time, now,” Mendoza said. “If it wasn’t for them (the Kaua‘i VR staff), I wouldn’t be here today. I think I’m going to cry.”
Today, Mendoza is a giver, inviting someone who is ailing, grieving, or otherwise in need, to her home office for a very special facial.
She invites her clients to relax, put asisde their troubles, and enjoy an hour of indulgence and healing, liberally seasoning the session with words of wisdom, kindness and gratitude.
The Kaua‘i branch office of vocational rehabilitation said a visit to Mendoza’s home office is blessed with her unique charm that stems from her artistic nature and her ability to reuse and recycle.
She is an esthetician, defined online as a person trained to administer facials and advise clients on makeup and the care of skin and hair and versed in the theory of beauty and artistic expression.
“Vocational rehabilitation brings out the best in clients by providing them with individualized training and resources,” said Lillian Koller, director of the state Department of Human Services. “This training enpowers people with disabilities to ‘go forward to work’ as they acquire the necessary skills and confidence to become full and equal participants in their communities.”
The Kaua‘i VR branch described Mendoza as “a strong and colorful thread in the Kaua‘i tapestry.”
Joe Cordova, the VR administrator, said VR is a cost effective program that pays for itself.
During 2008, VR served 7,760 individuals with 589 individuals achieving high quality employment. These individuals saw their annual earnings increase by an average of about 500 percent.
“Following the first full year of employment, rehabilitated individuals will have repaid the full cost of their vocational rehabilitation services with their annual taxes paid to the state,” Cordova said.
Cordova said the VR department will continue to increase public awareness about the true capabilities of the department’s rehabilitants, promote positive attitudes and raise the bar of expectations held by the general public toward people with disabilities.
