Investing in a Dream
(reprinted from the 2002 Annual Report,
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation)

Lupita Cano never saw herself as a “regular” employee going to a “regular job. Though she found the working world’s definition of success whereever she focused her efforts, she continued to feel unsuccessful. “Your power shines when you do what you love,” says Lupita and for this 33 year old artist that is certainly proving to be true.

Different job experiences and vocational assessments showed Lupita could be successful doing a variety of jobs. However, at times, she tried to explain her inspirations and make changes that were hard for people to accept in the workplace. Lupita lost several jobs causing her and her family to feel bad. Though she had her file closed as successfully employed, the Cano family once again would find their way back to DVR for support.

When Lupita came to DVR for the third time to plan an employment goal, the family had already organized several community resources. A planning team was forming with ideas to support Lupita’s artistic talents and self-employment aspirations. Lupita was already taking advantage of an artist’s studio to work many hours each week to produce paintings. Future planning and teamwork with Washington Initiative for Supported Employment provided Lupita with the personal agent to begin working with vocational rehabilitation counselor Bob Huven, thus began a conversation with the family’s team about self-employment.

These conversations began to see vocational rehabilitation planning step outside of the traditional office-bound, counselor/client model. Team meetings were most comfortable around the family’s warm dining room table. VCR Bob Huven was able to complete paperwork and review the VR process with Lupita in her downstairs apartment and see her growing inventory of art. Different team members took responsibility for hiring a consultant to develop a viable business plan, demonstrating profitability and business management that brought Lupita’s actions beyond the level of hobby and showed her how to invest sales proceeds back into her business.

Lupita Cano, her family, and her business representative are working on sales calls and managing parts of her business. The planning meetings and visits with Lupita and her family were a valuable part of the rehabilitation process. DVR did invest in the nuts and bolts of start up costs and now Lupita’s business is positioned to cover costs and invest in future inventory. “Starting a business is not easy,” says Bob Huven, “and especially challenging for those who want to support themselves with their art, crafts, or hobbies. I am pleased that Lupita is off to such a great start.” DVR’s investment in the dreamer and the artist is helping a woman shine with her business.