Transitional Services program offers relief for volunteer

Marsha Tiemann of Riverton, Utah, had been having a tough time finding the precise job while also fighting her health. So she took a step back from working throughout the pandemic — but that meant a niche in her work experience.

As she checked out moving forward, her bishop referred her to the Deseret Industries job training program.

Deseret Industries, or DI — which recently turned 85 years old — has 46 thrift stores in eight states. The organization helps individuals with barriers to employment get skills, education and experience.

At the DI at Welfare Square in Salt Lake City, Tiemann worked with a job coach trainer. One day, she and her trainer spoke with a development counselor, and this led to a possibility to work on the Transitional Services office at Welfare Square.

Transitional Services has seven locations within the United States. The program helps individuals stabilize their lives and transition back into society — no matter their religious affiliation — through a holistic approach to self-reliance.

“At the Transitional Services office, I set to work with those experiencing homelessness and people recently exiting corrections,” Tiemann said. “I even have had several special experiences while working there. I’ll treasure all of them, but one thing is for certain: many hearts were touched, including mine.”

Tiemann said the missionaries who volunteer on the office are “one in every of a form.” They provide information, encouragement, counsel and assistance.

While Tiemann was working on the Transitional Services office, the manager connected her with a short lived position as compliance editor with Utah Community Action, a big nonprofit organization in Utah. This opportunity also gave Tiemann more work experience while she continues to volunteer at Transitional Services.

In 2023, Tiemann discovered that the health problem she had been fighting before the pandemic was stage 4 breast cancer.

“Volunteering at Transitional Services brings me a way of relief and achievement that I would like during this time,” Tiemann said. “I even have gotten to know the individuals there very well and feel that I make an impact of their lives. I really like serving there and the chance to offer back and help provide blessings to others. It’s such a special place.”

According to the newest Caring for Those in Need annual report from the Church, in 2022, Transitional Services assisted 7,464 individuals. More than 31,870 hours of service got by volunteers.

Also, 9,186 Deseret Industries associates served in 2022.

Those who would also wish to assist in these efforts can go to JustServe.org or use the JustServe app and find local nonprofit and community agencies serving those leaving correctional facilities, experiencing homelessness or recovering from addiction. Donating to and shopping at Deseret Industries helps promote its job training programs. Senior service missionary opportunities are also available in Welfare and Self-Reliance programs.