Peder’s Story

Divorce stresses stay-at-home dad to suddenly provide for his family

“I knew that just taking any old job wouldn’t help me support my kids,” shared Peder, now a single parent of three, school-aged children. “Avivo offered the right support to get me on a career path. Their employment services, for displaced homemakers, are the real thing!”

Recently divorced, Peder was a stay-at-home parent for 12 years. He has an Associate degree in Robotics & Manufacturing from Dunwoody. He had just completed a Bachelor’s degree in management, when his first child was born.

“People don’t understand what a stay-at-home parent goes through in a divorce,” shared Peder. “I understand a little bit, what stay-at-home moms go through. I had no income. It’s tough when you’ve been out of the workforce.”

Avivo’s Minnesota Family Resiliency Program helped him design a path to re-enter into a career. He refreshed his computer skills, and achieved industry credentials, by completing a training program through Avivo. His career navigator connected him with valuable tools based on his situation. In his history of employment, he says he never had to apply for a job.

“That process is a lot different now! Learning how HR professionals look at resumes is important. I took advantage of all of Avivo’s career workshops, and mock interviews with business volunteers. I found my current position on Avivo’s online jobs portal.”

“All of the support was so valuable! In three months, I found a position that feels like it was made for me.”

Peder is currently working fulltime as a maintenance technician at Minco in Fridley, Minn. He helps to oversee a manufacturing facility that houses 5,000 machines. He performs preventative maintenance, modifications, equipment installation, and parts management, research and ordering.

“Everyone at Avivo cares for you… on top of helping you succeed.”

 

To learn more about Avivo’s Minnesota Family Resiliency Program, contact Tara Munroe at tara.munroe@avivomn.org or 612.460.0838.