February 16, 2012

From Chicago Tribune:

Luz Pagan, a single mother who was featured in a Tribune story last month about the working poor, started a new job Thursday and received enough financial help from the paper's readers to cover her rent for a year.

Touched by her story, Tribune readers offered everything from money and household goods and clothing to leads on possible jobs. including one she applied for and landed.

A Hinsdale resident who asked to remain anonymous sent the Tribune a check for $6,900 so Pagan could pay her rent for a year. She lives with her 12-year-old son in a $575-a-month studio apartment on the north side and said Thursday she's looking for something even less expensive.

"Hopefully, it gives her a bit of breathing room and takes a little pressure off, although I know she'll still have a tough road ahead of her," the donor wrote.

Pagan, who turned 45 on Monday, was moved to tears when the Tribune presented her checks that it received on her behalf for $6,900 and $500.

"Oh my god," she said, turning away after starting to cry. "It's shocking to know there are people willing to help. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me.''

Two other readers sent her two checks directly for $100 and $250.

One of several job leads came from Andy Raphael, a partner at LaSalle Process Servers LP. He needed someone to do office work, help with clients, and deliver legal documents. He wanted to know if she was a U.S. citizen (yes) or a felon (no.). For such positions, he often puts out feelers to local law schools.

She was one of two final candidates. And on Feb. 7, she learned she got the job. Thursday marked her first day at the family-owned business in the Loop. She'll work 9 to 5 with starting pay of $12 an hour, a nearly 40 percent boost from her previous parttime retail job; last year she earned about $7,000. And this job comes with benefits, including health insurance.

"It was so close, but she seemed like she'd go the extra mile to get the job done," Raphael said of why he hired Pagan. He initially was concerned Pagan might come across as "timid." In serving legal papers, he said, "They might call you a few choice words."

Raphael said mostly she'll be dropping off papers to downtown businesses, including secretaries, lawyers and registered agents, who are more accustomed to receiving them rather than people at home who can become confrontational and emotional.

Pagan, who had worked nearly three years as a part-time cashier at a discount store in Chicago, said she had been searching for a full-time job "forever" to become more financially stable." "I'm really happy," she said of her new job. "I'm excited." She quit her part-time job Wednesday.

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