Helen Simmons A Lifeline Just in Time H elen Simmons began working for


Express Employment Professionals in 2010 after the economic downturn forced her to close the custom painting business she and her daughter had been running in Skagit County, Washington.


“No one was spending any money but I kept hoping things would turn around,” Helen said. Sadly, she eventually lost her home as well as her business. Desperate for work, Helen remembers calling Express when she realized she had to do something just to cover her basic living expenses.


‘They called me back right away and within a few days they found me a job,” she said. “I went to work for Express and I haven’t looked back. I rarely turn down an assignment unless it is physically too difficult. I have trouble with my knee now so I can’t stand for hours, but I am ready for most jobs. Of course, I am hoping to find that one dream job, but in the meantime I like the challenge of taking on different positions.”


Helen enjoys staying busy and working in the variety of jobs that Express offers her. One of her first assignments was counting boxes of


frozen fish on a dock. “That job might have been a test to see how willing I was to work,” she said.


Some of the other positions Helen recalls include working at a local firehouse as a receptionist and administrative assistant, organizing a dinner and auction which raised $150,000 for a local nonprofit organization, and working for an interior design firm. An exceptional Express associate, Helen’s talents, flexibility and strong work ethic were rewarded when Express selected her as the Administrative Employee of the Year in 2012.


Helen appreciates all the support she has received from the Mount Vernon, Washington office. “Everyone there is very nice and very professional. They make a point of knowing who you are and letting you know they care about you.”


Helen has also made new friends working at different companies, which has been an unexpected bonus. “I am a relationship person and so one of the things I enjoy most is getting to meet new people,” she said. “Working for Express gives me that opportunity. Express threw me a lifeline when I truly needed one.”


I am hoping to find that one dream job, but in the meantime


I like the challenge of taking on different positions.


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