Individual Placement and Support services help Cramerton dad return to the workforce while prioritizing family and mental health.
Auto mechanic. Stay-at-home dad. Avid bunny lover. Will Jackson has worn many hats, from fixing cars to wrangling a toddler and three free-roaming rabbits. But when the restaurant he worked at part time to supplement his household’s income shut down, he found himself in need of a new position — one that would allow him to support his family financially while still being home with his daughter, Charlotte, during the day.
That’s when he connected with Monarch’s Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program. Will initially reached out to Monarch seeking help for depression and anxiety, challenges he had quietly managed for years. After losing his job and navigating a major life shift, he realized it was time to prioritize his mental health and work toward becoming what he described as “the best version” of himself — for his family and for his own well-being. Therapy gave him tools for emotional wellness, and IPS offered a path forward professionally.
“IPS was presented to me as an option, and I thought, ‘What could it hurt?’ It was a service available to me, so I figured I should take advantage of it and potentially help myself out,” Will said.
From that moment on, Lead Employment Support Professional Rafael Berry became his go-to resource. Finding a job that fit around his schedule wasn’t easy — many employers needed open availability, which wasn’t an option while caring for his daughter. But Rafael stuck with him, identifying opportunities that could work.
“Will entered into the program with an open mind about what he would be willing to do but, with an understanding of what he is uninterested in doing from experience. With those two things in mind, Will continued to challenge himself and staff for that “perfect fit,” Berry said. “After several months of dead-end leads, research and contacts, Will’s tenacity offered him a “too good to be true” opportunity where he states that he sees himself for the foreseeable future.”
Throughout the process, Rafael provided more than just job leads — he provided support.
“He was there every step of the way. There were times when it felt like I was never going to find something that fit, but Rafael kept encouraging me, telling me, ‘We’ll figure it out.’ He genuinely cared, and that made all the difference. I consider him a friend,” Will said.
In November 2024, Will landed the perfect role — working for Instacart. The flexibility allows him to work when he has time while still making sure Charlotte is cared for during the day.
“The flexibility allows me to still enjoy the benefits of being a stay-at-home dad while also contributing financially to my family,” Will explained. “I get to help my daughter grow up, spend time with her during the day, and then, if needed, I can go out and work in the evenings. It’s been a game-changer for us.”
For Will, the IPS program wasn’t just about finding a job — it was about finding the tools to move forward.
“As someone who’s worked on cars before, I know that having the right tool makes all the difference. The same goes for mental health — you need the right tools to handle life’s challenges. IPS gave me those tools, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.”
While he sees himself continuing with Instacart for the foreseeable future, Will plans to stay connected with the IPS team to explore any new opportunities that may arise. He continues to meet with them every few weeks, keeping his options open while maintaining a job that works for his current stage of life.
Now, with stability, flexibility and a job that works for his family, Will encourages others to take advantage of the support IPS offers.
“Persistence and having a strong support system go a long way. There were times I could’ve given up, but I stuck with it and now I’m in a much better place,” he said.
“IPS is a service that empowers people to strive for their desires and to be their best self. We work to make our members’ dreams a reality. If you can imagine yourself doing it, so can we,” Berry added.
With the help of Monarch’s IPS program, Will has been able to balance work, family and his ever-growing bunny family — on his terms.