How Memorial Behavioral Health Helped Jessica Ransom Reclaim Her Career
After nearly a year of unemployment, Jessica Ransom, 39, wasn’t lacking drive, she was lacking access. Until she found the Individual Placement and Support program at Memorial Behavioral Health.
The Springfield resident had spent months applying for jobs, but the process proved frustrating. Without a standard mobile phone number, she was frequently locked out of online application systems that sent verification codes. Basic tools that many job seekers take for granted had become insurmountable barriers.
“I was gridlocked by the lack of simple resources,” Jessica said. “I was experiencing the digital divide firsthand.”
With her savings depleted and her options narrowing, Jessica reached out to Memorial Behavioral Health (MBH) and enrolled in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program, an employment initiative designed to help individuals facing barriers find and maintain meaningful, competitive work.
A Counselor Who Believed in Her
From the start, Jessica’s IPS counselor, Nicole Webb, focused not just on the mechanics of job searching, but on rebuilding Jessica’s confidence.
Nicole worked with Jessica on practical skills like typing proficiency, navigating job boards, identifying legitimate postings versus potential scams, contacting employers directly and participating in virtual job fairs. She also encouraged Jessica at every turn.
“What makes Nicole such a blessing is not just the help she provided, but the way she made me feel capable, supported and empowered,” Jessica said. “Her encouragement reminded me that growth takes time, baby steps still count and believing in yourself makes all the difference.”
From Nicole’s perspective, the progress was rewarding to witness. “Jessica utilized IPS services in a timely and consistent manner throughout the program,” the recovery specialist said. “She remained fully engaged in the employment process and demonstrated a strong willingness to learn and apply the skills taught to her.”
Landing the Job
Jessica’s hard work paid off. First she landed two part-time positions, and then, most recently, she secured full-time employment and started May 1.
“Stable employment represents pride, purpose, stability, and accomplishment,” she said. “It gives me peace of mind and the ability to provide for myself.”
For anyone considering reaching out to MBH, her message is simple: don’t wait. “This is your sign to reach out. The people here are welcoming and create an environment where you feel supported, heard and encouraged every step of the way.”
Learn More
Memorial Behavioral Health’s IPS program is an evidence-based supported employment model designed to help individuals with behavioral health conditions or mental illnesses obtain competitive and integrated employment. In 2025, the program, which partners with the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation Services, served 60 clients.
The program partners with employers, therapists, case managers and others to focus on rapid job searches, individualized employment counseling and ongoing support services tailored to each client’s preferences, strengths, and goals. When transportation is an issue, specialists will meet people in the community or at their homes. Visit memorial.health/MBH or call 217-525-1064 for more information.