Today we present Magda’s story, the last story of the participants of the „Back on Track” project. Although the project is coming to its end, almost all PABs (Professional Insertion Centres for the Unemployed) will continue their activity. We hope that the new ones will be created, too. To promote this form of support, a useful textbook will soon be issued. For more information about the project, see www.wnp.org.pl

Day, a new day, emptiness… I have realized that I am alone. Various thoughts are swirling through my mind, hopelessness and question: “What’s next?” After all I have no job, nothing to live on, and the man I loved, has left me. I am looking for help, I can’t just sit and do nothing. I meet people like me and Mirek, among them. We talk to each other for a long while and he suggests that I should go to the PAB. I hesitate, because I think that everything is senseless. Full of anxiety, I open the door and I hear Malgosia’s warm voice: Come in, please. Can I help you? A long conversation is a relief to me, I realize I am not alone. There is somebody who wants to help me, listen to me and give me a helping hand.

It was autumn - gloomy weather, depressed I and patient, frank people as well as the atmosphere of understanding. First stage completed. My first meeting on Wednesday. It is not easy to talk about oneself, but others speak and do not look at me strangely, they listen. After all, they know well what I am talking about.

Days and weeks elapse and I feel better and better, I make new friends.

Winter, Christmas is near. The PAB looks very solemn – Christmas tree is decorated and the Christmas Eve supper, our supper, is prepared. We are together at the table, we share the holy wafer and wish each other all the best, we sing carols. I think: It is my second home – all residents together like one big family.

Spring, I am more and more stronger. I have started classes, I go to school. New people come and they are as lost and confused as I. We talk to each other for a long time and they open up, although I know it is not easy, as I experienced it, too. We support each other, because it is just what we should do. Our Accompanying Persons watch over us like angels. They never look at their watches – although they are busy, they always have time for us.

It’s already spring. At the end of June I will complete my course and find a job. I know I will succeed. I have overcome difficulties and now the way is straight. Thanks to people like Malgosia, Jacek and Aneta I know that you can achieve much, you only need time, faith and willingness. Take small steps forward!

Believe in yourselves! The unbelievable becomes possible, dreams come true!