Success Stories

Carmen  Hamilton,  61704
On September 24, 2004 our client was laid off with 1,200 other workers from Mitsubishi Motors. She was a single mother with a 15-year-old daughter who suddenly found herself without a way to support herself. In the fall of 2004, she started down the path of realizing her dream by enrolling at Heartland Community College to complete her needed prerequisites. Paying tuition out of her savings, she continued to take courses until the summer of 2006, when she became officially enrolled in a Career Link, Illinois workNet Center, training program. In May of 2008 she graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Clinical Lab Science. One week after her graduation, she started at Morris Hospital in Morris, Illinois with a starting average wage with shift differential of $24 an hour. We are very proud of this lady and wish her the best!  We still receive updates from her to let us know how she is doing. 

Isaac  Velasquez,  60152
After having a few jobs already on my own, going through program at the McHenry County Workforce Center, an Illinois workNet Center, has enhanced my learning abilities and the confidence in myself to go and seek what I want to do for my career. I've learned so much in this program, from all the classes, summer projects, working in groups, how to manage money for when I start out on my own, and so many other things. The way the case workers explain things to me have always been easy to understand and they have always been helpful by getting the right information and being organized. I know when I do find a job, I will be ready.

Denee  Ivey,  62644
Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center, has been a lifesaver for me. I am a single mom who decided to go back to school at the age of 42. I decided to go into nursing and without Career Link I would not have been able to afford the nursing assistant classes because I was only waitressing and working part time as an aide at our middle school. I am very grateful for the programs Career Link has available to everyone. It would be a wise choice to keep them around.

David  Hill,  61536
I was recently asked to represent the success of the Workforce Network (WFN) when Vice President Biden came to Peoria. The Vice President was interested in letting more people know about the important work WFN does. He talked to both our state and federal senators about options for promoting the services to those in need.

Last April I was laid off when the company where I worked was purchased by a larger competitor and my job in video became redundant. I was part of a large wave of middle-management lay-offs in the area and I turned to the Peoria Workforce Network, an Illinois workNet Center, to help prepare me for a new career. Vernon Johnson, a career counselor at WFN, guided me through the process of identifying my strengths and finding what areas would provide a good career. Once identified, he helped get me the funding I needed to take the class and enhance my qualifications.

In March, the Kroger Company offered me a job in retail grocery management. I am convinced that one of the reasons they considered a candidate from outside of retail is that I showed a willingness to enhance my knowledge and skill set. That would not have been possible without the help of Workforce Network.

Christine  Pell,  62959
Dana Pritchett was employed at Technicolor in Pinckneyville, Illinois for 20 years as an assembler/inspector. After the plant closed in 2007, Dana turned to Man-Tra-Con, an Illinois workNet Center, to get help through the WIA/TAA programs.

Dana was accepted into the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Southern Illinois University. While she was a student, she worked two different jobs as a tutor. She made the Dean’s List all 6 semesters with a 4.0 grade point average and graduated cum laude with an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Dana passed her board exam for licensure and is presently working at three different PRN PTA jobs at area medical centers.

Dana has dedicated her accomplishments in memory of her dad, Nelson Morgenthaler, who passed away in 2008, “My dad was so happy when I chose to go back to school. He was always proud of my accomplishments. He was my cheerleader. I know my dad is looking down on me from heaven and he is smiling.”  Her Career Specialist Christina Abbott added “Dana was a pleasure to work with. She was very driven and focused on completing her training program. Her dedication led to her success.”

christine  peltier,  62644
I was in severe panic and excitement when I was accepted to nursing school. I had no clue how I was going to be able to pay for school and my house and everything. I got extremely depressed and then I heard about Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center. They have helped me tremendously. They made me realize that it was possible to do this when I never thought it was possible. If it weren't for them helping me as a single mom I never could have done it. This program is absolutely amazing and I think it should continue for those who need it. I now have only 8 weeks and I will be an RN. I can hardly wait. My life is just about to really get started off right. I thank this program every day for funding me and helping me become a paying citizen with a great job.

Samantha  Davison,  61520
As a freshman at Graham Hospital School of Nursing, I first learned about the Summer Youth Employment Program through Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center. Through the program, I signed on with Illinois workNet to learn the basic skills needed to further my education and attained a part-time job while attending school full-time. After the summer program ended, Career Link enrolled me in the Nursing Program and provided me with financial assistance for the two remaining years at Graham Hospital. Without Career Link assistance I would not be achieving my goals.

renetta  reddick,  61605
I am a client of Workforce Network, an Illinois workNet Center. With their help, I obtained my CNA license and received my GED. As I continued my education I knew there was much more in life that I could obtain with my skills, knowledge and support. I enrolled in Illinois Central College where I am currently taking my prerequisites for the LPN program. The Workforce Network employees care if their clients succeed. They not only provide financial support to individuals, they provide moral support. It means a lot when you can talk with the staff and they show their concern. They made a difference in my life and I thank their staff members, Vernon and Jennifer, for giving my family and me the support I needed to succeed in my career.

Catherine  Herzog,  61560
After graduating from college with a BA in English, I found few opportunities for challenging and fulfilling work, and even less for a stable full-time position. I applied for hundreds of jobs, and only interviewed with a few. Luckily, BEST, Inc., an Illinois workNet Center, helped me and my employer greatly by placing me with them!

I never expected to end up in a job like this, and would not have found this position without the help of WIA! I've been able to learn so much that I never expected, and continue to learn every day. I'm able to apply what I learned at school to my job here, and know that I am learning skills that will last my entire lifetime. I feel much more confident as an employee and as a person overall and look forward to taking these skills with me through my entire career!

I hope that other college grads can use WIA to pursue their dreams and learn as much about themselves as I did. I wouldn't have realized how much I love business and entrepeneurship if it hadn't been for WIA, and I am so glad I have had these experiences!

Ricky  Ford,  61427
I was able to secure full time employment through the experience and skills I acquired in the Summer Youth Employment Program. The work readiness assessment on Illinois workNet helped me to understand my employers' expectations. With that understanding, I developed an important strategy for success on the job. As a result, I was offered a permanent position with the Putman Park District. The workplace skills that gave me the competitive edge included maintaining perfect attendance and using proper business communications. These were some of the topics I learned about through the Illinois workNet work readiness assessment. 

Christine  Pell,  62959
Shannon Manson came into the Marion Man-Tra-Con office, an Illinois workNet Center, in January 2010. Like so many others in Southern Illinois, he was finding it difficult to land a job. Shannon wished that someone would give him the opportunity to show them what a great worker he could be.

Shannon met with his Career Specialist, Stephanie McCluskey, every week and sometimes twice a week searching for local jobs. Shannon began realizing that he had great potential and that he should never give up, and he didn’t. Within one month of working with Mrs. McCluskey, Shannon was hired by a local production company. Shannon stated that in his interview, he used the interviewing tips he worked on during individual appointments. Shannon has a new sense of pride and a feeling of accomplishment that will help him grow as an individual. He has displayed outstanding and diligent job search skills and his dedication to finding a job is remarkable. Shannon will succeed in life because he doesn’t give up, he perseveres!

Alfred  Robinson,  62347
Without the help of the Quincy Workforce Service Center, an Ilinois workNet Center, I would not be able to take dual enrollment classes in high school. With this organization helping me out, I will have 15 credit hours out of the way before my first year in college. They have helped me pay for English 101 and 102, English 211, and Math 113 and 114. Without them none of this would be possible. I am so grateful that there is an organization that cares and wants to help people. Thank you.

Azaliah  Isaiah-Davenport,  62702
The WIA youth summer program has brought me one step closer to educational success. I am a freshman at Tuskegee University in Alabama. Over the summer, I made enough money to cover many of my college expenses. The job market for a young student can be tough and job searches became endless. Hopefully, this summer, I can work again with this program in hopes of being able to return to Tuskegee University in the fall. The Illinois workNet Center's job program also helped me improve my job skills and helped my resume. In all, WIA helped insure my successful college year and ultimately my career! Thank you so much!

Christine  Pell,  62959
Tracy Minton was laid off from Technicolor Universal Media Services in March 2007. With assistance from Man-Tra-Con Corp, he was eligible for the TAA/WIA programs. The following summer, he began the Radiologic Technology program at Rend Lake College.

Tracy excelled in school, in spite of having to refresh his math skills through remedial coursework. He graduated in July 2009 with a 3.708/4.0 GPA, passed The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Exam and began working PRN at Franklin Hospital as a Diagnostic Technologist. Within a month, he moved into a regular full-time position in the department. He loves his job and is grateful for all of the assistance that Man-Tra-Con, an Illinois workNet Center, offered him.

According to his Career Specialist Erin Tarrants, “Tracy was a pleasure to work with and always followed through with all of the program requirements. He was able to make the best out of a bad situation and further his education in a high-demand field. I am really proud of all of his accomplishments and wish him continued success.”

Rebecca  Cross,  62884
When living in southern Illinois, we unfortunately have become accustomed to hearing the words “downsized” or “laid off” all too often, but the one that really cuts us to the core is “closure.” The manufacturing facility that I was working at moved their business out of the country leaving over 400 employees without a job. I was thankful that my husband had a job, but I wasn’t sure if that was enough. Another large manufacturing plant close to us had just closed down a few months before causing around 1000 people to be without their jobs. In southern Illinois, 1400 people losing their jobs that close to each other is a huge thing. In the beginning, I was concerned about the availability of the training programs due to the large number of people needing assistance.

Man-Tra-Con Corporation, an Illinois workNet Partner, handled all of the stress for me. The career specialists and staff at Man-Tra-Con worked with me to help me choose a training program that fit me best. At the advice of the career specialist, I was able to dual-enroll in an Associate and Bachelor’s program at John A Logan College and Mid-Continent University. It was a lot of semester hours and hard work, but it was very rewarding. I received a B.S. in Business Management and graduated with honors. I feel that I now can be a strong role model for my daughters. I want them to see that no matter what happens to you in life, as long as you work hard and are determined, you can change the outcome.

Since graduation, I have had the privilege to become a part of the Man-Tra-Con Corporation staff. I continue to be impressed by how much they do for all of their customers, and the assistance they provide in this region. I would hate to think of where my family and I would be if it weren't for the help I received.

Molly  Thomas,  61554
In August, 2008 I was left without work. Even worse, nobody was hiring. Soon I lost my car and almost lost my house. Being a single mother of two this was very rough. I learned about Brenda at Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center in Pekin through a friend. Brenda helped me in developing a resume that thankfully landed me a temporary job. Then I learned of the summer youth program and I enrolled. I worked full-time as an assistant at the unemployment office. I have worked in offices before but never one like this. Here I learned computer skills, customer service, and many different procedures. This training has taught me knowledge and skills that I will need to obtain a better job. Thank you Career Link for all you do!

Larry  Musgrave,  60085

When I lost a long-term job as a cook in February 2010, I knew the Job Center of Lake County, an Illinois workNet Center, could help me. I started using the job center resources regularly as I looked for work. I got help with a resume, used the computer and fax machine. All the staff were very encouraging and helpful.

In March, I met a former co-worker as he walked into the Job Center. He told me he was Director of Food Service for a large government organization. When I told him I was looking for work, he asked me to apply to his company. I was hired on 3/23/2010. I now earn the same wage as my previous job — but this new job offers benefits!

What helped me when I was looking for work was being involved in the community and establishing a network of people who could help me in my job search.

Christine  Pell,  62959

Jacqueline Nelson was laid off from Technicolor Universal Media Services in March 2007. With assistance from Man-Tra-Con Corp., an Illinois workNet Center, she was eligible for the TAA/ WIA programs. The following summer, Jacqueline enrolled in the Culinary Arts & Food Management program at Southwestern Illinois College.

Jacqueline was ecstatic when the opportunity arose for her to pursue her passion, cooking and baking. She excelled in school and was awarded the Chef Ollie Sommer Scholarship along with numerous awards and certificates. Jacqueline graduated in May 2009 with a 3.85/4.0 GPA. In December 2009, she accepted the Sous Chef position at the Casino Queen, earning a great salary. She loves her job and is grateful for all of the assistance that Man-Tra-Con offered her.

Jacqueline is currently being mentored to become the Executive Chef. Her Career Specialist Erin Tarrants added, “Jacqueline was a pleasure to work with and always followed through with all of the program requirements. She definitely deserves all the success that her future has in store for her.”

jamie  davison,  61520
After being referred to Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center, by the Township Assistance Office, I was asked to sign on with ISM and Illinois workNet. The Fulton County case manager guided me through the links which was very helpful. After talking with her, she made several suggestions on what Career Link had to offer me since I am a youth. I explored my options and decided to attend classes to be a Certified Nurses Aid. I am currently in classes now and thinking of furthering my education to become a nurse. Thanks to the helpful staff at Career Link, I am on the road to becoming self supporting without the assistance of outside agencies.

Barbara  Brickner,  62024

The following is my client's WIA success story:

After graduation from Alton Senior High School, Zachary Peters enlisted in the Army. He received an honorable discharge and became a repair and maintenance technician working with industrial power machinery. He worked for a large manufacturing company until the company downsized. Zac then accepted a job with another company and worked there until he was laid off.

Through the local Veterans’ Administration office, he heard about the Workforce Investment program and came to the Madison County Employment and Training Office, an Illinois workNet Center in Alton. He researched various occupations and was approved for CDL training with a hazmat designation. Zac was eager to meet all the requirements of the program, and according to his instructor, frequently encouraged others in his class who were struggling.

Once he obtained his license, Zac contacted several trucking companies only to find that they wanted two years of driving experience. Frustrated but committed to his goal, Zac persevered in his search and now works for Roehl Transport. Zac says “I’m just like millions of others who thought they would work for one good company and then retire. It didn’t happen; it’s important to keep going and not give up. I am better prepared now for the future thanks to the WIA training I received.”

Brenda  Ray,  62896
I came to the West Frankfort Man-Tra-Con office, an Illinois workNet Center, to enroll in the year-round youth services program. I was in need of a job to support myself and wanted assistance in obtaining my high school diploma. I also needed help with my situation at home and a person I could talk to, whom I have grown to love and trust. My Youth Specialist, JoDene Kern, told me about the benefits and helped me receive my high school diploma.

Through all the struggles I have faced, I have learned to move forward and that anything is possible! By moving to a small town I was unfamiliar with, I learned to get along with those around me and my peers. This program helped me out a lot and helped me to achieve and set high goals. While in high school, I was employed at McDonalds. I plan on attending SIUE in the fall of 2010 majoring in social work. I want to help children who are going through the same thing I went through and plan to make the DCFS system better since I have been in it myself for 7 years. None of this would have been possible without the help of the Youth Services Program.

Samantha  Bray,  62664
This past summer I had a great opportunity to work at the Mason City Pool here in my hometown. Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center, graciously helped me find the job, which is something I desperately needed. Being a teen, finding a job without a way of transportation is a very challenging task. I was actually in walking distance of my job! Thanks to Career Link, I had a great experience. I was able to receive a check every two weeks and take my vacation with my family without being penalized by my employers. After working hard for one summer, I was offered the job back for the next summer. This summer job helped me to get on my own two feet and that is more than I could have imagined when I started the job. It was a very good experience and I hope that someone else can have the same experience I received.

Sylvester  LeBlanc,  62703
In Chicago, if you’re in a rough neighborhood like the one I grew up in, you either join them or they’re going to jump you every day. They kind of force you into it. I went to prison three times. I kind of burned my bridges at home. My mom was like, "I don’t want you to parole here because you keep doing the same stuff." Being involved in gangs heavily influenced my thinking, my everyday actions. So I wanted to get away and moved to Springfield for a second chance. My case manager Diane believed in me every step of the way. Thanks to all the services provided through WIA, her encouragement and my determination, I am now an employed Auto Body Technician who can support my family and realize all of my dreams for my 2-year-old.

Brian  Boukas,  60098
I needed help with resources such as a phone to contact potential employers, and a computer to develop my resume and search for jobs. I also needed help with developing my resume. The McHenry County Workforce Center, an Illinois workNet Center, provides the resources and help I need during a major turning point in my life. Having access to their resources, and having their staff on my side is the difference between success and failure for me.

Christine  Pell,  62959
Teresa Timmons came to Man-Tra-Con Corp., an Illinois workNet Center, in 2007 seeking assistance through the WIA program. She received training services and support to attend the Registered Nurse program at John A. Logan College. Teresa completed her training in 2009 and is currently working at Heartland Regional Medical Center.

Teresa stated that she felt that her Career Specialist Stephanie Robinson treated her with respect and was always eager to help her with anything that would make going to school easier for her. “Going back to school has given me the freedom to choose my career path. I can now afford to buy groceries and medical insurance for my family — maybe even a house someday. I have gained my independence through completion of school. With my Associates Degree in Nursing, I can go anywhere and get a job doing what I love. Anything is possible with hard work and dedication.”

Derik  Flairty,  62633
Last summer was the first year I was enrolled in the WIA program and now because of it I have a solid job that I don't have to be worried about losing. It was hard for me to find a job until WIA helped me find one. Without it, me and my dad would have had to go through a lot tougher time. My father got laid off and we didn't have enough money to support the both of us. Especially with all the school activities I am involved in. Since I had the job over the summer I played it smart and saved as much money as I could. With the money I saved I payed half my phone bill and a little bit of my car insurance. The money didn't last long but what I had did help my dad.

He did get his job back but without the money that I made from the summer work program I might not have had a phone, car, school lunch money, and other things as well. There are other kids and adults that need this program more than me and are in worse positions than the one that I was in. Those are the hard working people that just want to survive in the world. Without the WIA they may not be able to get a job and many will be homeless and others will go hungry for days. These are the reasons that we need this program, so others can have a chance for a better life. Isn't this the land of opportunity? Without the WIA the people that deserve an opportunity will not get it.

Marcia  Selman,  61401
After a varied work history (including work as a phlebotomist and medical laboratory assistant) prior to my employment at Maytag and after eight years working there from 1996 to 2004, I was laid off. During my Maytag years, I was also involved in the U.S. Army Reserves. Because of my layoff from Maytag, I went to the Knox County Workforce Office for assistance under the Trade Act.  I was assessed to be worthy and able to enter retraining in my choice, Forensic Technology, at Illinois Central College in East Peoria. Working very hard at my studies and fulfilling my military obligations, I poured my energies into trying to establish a new career in the interesting and exciting field of crime scene investigation. I was very busy and financially stressed during this time of training and participating in the Reserves.

Upon completion of my studies at ICC, and interning with law enforcement agencies in the Peoria area, I set out on the frustrating journey of a national job search for employment in forensic science. I met one dead end after another in this search. It came to the point that my best option was full time military with the Army Reserves. Because of my medical background, I was assigned in 2007 to the 4224th Medical Attachment in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. During my multi-faceted duties in Army hospitals where I was a team leader, I also found the energy and fortitude to pursue and complete my LPN certification.

Since completing my Army service, I have been back on the re-employment trail. I approached people at the Galesburg Workforce Service Center who helped me in retraining and job search about updating my resume and about helping with communicating to potential employers. I finally secured a position as an Army Nurse at Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, Washington.

Terry  Ewing,  62839
When I lost my job at HELLA Electronics Corporation, I had no idea what I was going to do. It had been a while since I had been in school. Encouraged by the TAA Program at C.E.F.S., an Illinois workNet Center, I decide to enroll in the Massage Therapy Program at Olney Central College. I loved the challenge of returning to the classroom. I will soon graduate and can start my SUCCESS story, in my new career. I eventually want to have my own business. I plan to offer special programs for the disabled and frail to help relieve aches, pains and tension, along with the regular services. All of this would not have been possible without the financial assistance from TAA and the constant encouragement of the C.E.F.S.WIA staff from LWIA 23. Thanks to everyone for everything. Terry                      

Alex  Gray/Butkus,  60014
Since I was new to the job market and never had a job, I entered the McHenry County Workforce Center, an Illinois workNet Center, with the goal of gaining work skills. I was committed to the program, consistent, dedicated, and an active participant in Work Readiness classes. Initially, I had a wide variety of interests and was unfocused in my career goals. I developed focused short- and long-term goals during my time in the program, and to narrow my areas of interest, I completed several career exploration activities. I used the skills I learned in classes to apply for a job outside the program in April 2008 and was hired at a movie theatre. I am still employed there, and currently continuing my education in a post secondary program.

Randy  Griffin,  61554
My success story starts with Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center in Pekin Illinois, where, when I was laid off in 03', they were able to put me through welding school. I did very well and had high-paying jobs. Then I was injured and out of work for a while, the recession hit and I was out looking for another job. Not having any luck, I went back to Career Link where they helped me update my resume and also provided computers for my job search. They been very helpful and soon I'll be at a good job making good money and back where I was before my accident. I would like to thank everybody at Career Link for all their help.

Shane  Nebel,  61532
The CARY program, an Illinois workNet Center, funded by the Workforce Investment Act at Midwest Central High School, helped me realize that I could make something of my life. I never imagined myself attending college because of my family's financial situation. When I was enrolled in the CARY program my junior year, thought: Great! Another class I don't need! But after the first few days, I realized that there were people who were willing to help me obtain an education and have a better life. As part of the CARY program, I determined what career I wanted to enter and what college I wanted to attend. My teacher, Mrs. Jeanne Sarff, helped me apply for college and fill out important scholarship applications. I was awarded three scholarships including  the "Step Up." This is a scholarship given to a student who completely changes his attitude towards school. I believe that I received this award because the CARY program helped see that I CAN be a success.

I will graduate from Illinois Central College in May with a 3.4 GPA.  Funding from the Workforce Investment Act has helped pay  for my tuition, books, and transportation. I have participated in Summer Work Experience that has helped me pay for my car and other living expenses. I have already been offered a job at the business where I am interning. Without the CARY program and all of the other assistance I have received through the Workforce Investment Act, I wouldn't be here today.

Eileen  Rose,  62664
I thought going to school to become a nurse was just a dream but when I followed my dream and found the Career Link office, an Illinois workNet Center, in Havana, IL school all fell into place. I worked in a doctor's office for over fifteen years as office help and always wanted to be the "nurse" not just in the office. I did not think I was smart enough but with a little encouragement from Carol Kuchan I was accepted and completed the nursing program at Capital Area School of Practical Nursing.  I had a job within 2 weeks of graduation and doubled my wages from $20,000 to $40,000 a year as a LPN.  I greatly appreciate the help that Career Link provided and am currently in RN school. DREAM BIG

Kristin  Hughes,  61501
I am working on my nursing degree funded by the Adult Training Services Program with Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center, in Mason County. I want to become self-sufficient and work in a field that I enjoy. Without the assistance from Career Link, I would not be able to achieve my occupational goals. I was able to build job skills this summer working through Career Link under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I gained skills working with people. The skills I gained will help me be a better nurse. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to pursue their career goals and Career Link makes that happen.

Miki  Aberle,  61761
Like many others displaced by Hurricane Katrina, the young woman that came to Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center, felt the emotional pain the hurricane inflicted on many Americans. “We lost everything,” she said in regards to the hurricane’s aftermath. Quintina Turnipseed was a single parent who relocated to Illinois with her mother after being forced out of her Mississippi home by the disaster.

Once she settled in, she decided it was time to improve her life by pursuing a Pharmacy Technician Certificate at the local community college. While working at Walgreens as a Pharmacy Technician and raising her two children, she was struggling to make ends meet. She discussed her situation with a co-worker, who was enrolled as a nursing student with Career Link. The co-worker explained Career Link and how it positively impacted her life. The next day, the Quintina came into the office and applied for tuition assistance. She was then accepted into a Respiratory Therapy Program and granted funding.

Career Link helped her with tuition, childcare, mileage and exam fees while she attended college. She graduated in May 2009 and is employed at a local hospital as a Respiratory Therapist. Career Link’s help has not gone unnoticed by Quintina. “I just want to thank Career Link for all the support and effort they contributed to help me reach my goals and dreams; thanks for everything,” she wrote in a monthly status report regarding her experiences in the program. Truly, this woman’s story proves that perseverance and resilience leads to success when given the opportunity.

Harold  Taylor,  60085
I was working at a high school in food service when I lost my job in December 2009. There was a change in policy and I could no longer work there because of a felony background. I started coming to the Job Center, an Illinois workNet Center every day to look for work. They told me about a 6-week program called the Repatriate project where I could learn Microsoft Office and I enrolled as soon as possible. While in training, I networked at the Job Center. Someone at the center told me that a newspaper office needed help one day moving. I helped them out and the editor hired me. I was hired as a customer service representative just two days after graduating from the Repatriate project.

Karen  Carlson,  60173
I was out of the workforce 10 years raising my two daughters full-time. Then my husband got laid off from his job. The desire for me to someday obtain my nursing degree became a necessity for today. Because I was considered a "Displaced Homemaker," I qualified for all the costs associated with the training for my nursing license, including tuition, books, exam, testing and school fees. Soon I'll reach my two-year milestone of being a nurse and I would have never been able to accomplish my goals without the help of Workforce Investment Solutions.

Brijesh  Kukreja,  60102

I am happy to say that the WIA programs really helped me achieve my goal of securing a full-time position. The PMP and Quality Assurance training I received advanced my skill set. I got access to as well as support from WIA personnel which was a great help during a time of hardship. After about 8 months, I received a full-time job offer from Cognizant. They recognized my new skills which I am currently applying towards my job. I would like to express my thanks and gratitude to the McHenry County Workforce Network, an Illinois workNet Center.

Carmen  Hamilton,  61704
My first client just got a job after finishing his CDL training. After reviewing a number of applications, I assessed this individual to be the first to try out a new trucking school in our town. This individual received a 94% on his classroom/driving training and got many pre-employment offers before obtaining his CDL. I spoke with the director of the driving school who stated that this client was one of their best students and he was always willing to lend a hand to others in class that needed assistance. This client is now on the road and learning the ropes in his new career. I wish him only the best! 

Brent  Waldschmidt,  61375
In December of 2001, LTV steel in Hennepin declared bankruptcy. Chapter 11 was filed shortly after 9/11 and 700 of the steelworkers had been given little notice. I happened to be one of the 700 who found supplemental jobs in the area to be sparse and with non-liveable wages. 

Luckily, I investigated a Workforce Investment Act (WIA) training opportunity to acquire new skills and a degree that employers in the area look for. I fell under the Peoria Workforce Network, an Illinois workNet Center, and Vernon Johnson's guidance. Vernon was very supportive and willing to work with me which made the process easier. Returning to school for an Electrical Engineering Tech degree was one of the hardest and uncertain things I have ever done. I feel grateful that Vernon and the Workforce Network was there to support me through the process. Completion of my degree was very challenging and I doubt if I would have made it without help from the WIA. I am now happily employed with an established career. In hindsight, I am very thankful for the WIA opportunity and assistance from Peoria Workforce Network....especially Vernon Johnson.

Thanks,
Brent W.

Cassandra  Vanover,  62664
I'm Cassie Vanover and my experience working with the summer program was really helpful. I worked at a daycare and I really enjoyed it. I chose to work at the daycare to see what it was like.  I plan on graduating from high school and continuing to work there. I worked in the toddler room, infant room, and in the preschool room. I had a lot of hands-on experiences helping to take care of the babies that were in the infant room. I think that summer jobs teach students responsibility. 

I chose a job that I would enjoy doing. I really like working with kids and I really hope that I can work with them again this summer. This job helped me get ready for what may happen in the future. I'm going to college to be a preschool teacher and it helped a lot working at the daycare. There are a lot of kids that could use to work in the summer that can't work during the school year. It helped me a lot and I'm sure it will help other students.   

Jesse  Franco,  60645

I had been unemployed for 14 months and never dreamed that would happen. I’ve worked to keep current on the latest software. I kept searching for jobs online, but there are few jobs available.

I heard about the Illinois/Microsoft Elevate America program through Illinois workNet and used the vouchers to get training and Microsoft certification in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. I saw immediate results. I applied for a job as an administrative assistant, and when they called me they liked that I had computer skills and certification and, following the training, I found a job.

 

jeremy  stark,  60089
When I first joined the McHenry County Workforce Center, an Illinois workNet Center, I was homeless and I did not have a job. I was not a good job interviewer and I did not have any appropriate interview clothes. During the weekly classes the other students and I were taught good tips for interviewing, resume writing, job searching, and much, much more. Thanks to the work ethics I was taught by the Youth Workforce Specialist, not long after joining, I obtained a job. Unlike my previous jobs, I was able to keep my job longer than a month or two. As a result, I am no longer homeless and I am excelling at work.

leslie  reeves,  61603
My name is Leslie and I am an African American woman living in Peoria. When I was terminated in 2006, I did not know what to do. I was introduced to the staff at the Peoria Work Force Network, an Illinois workNet Center, as a dislocated worker. It was decided that I needed to return to school to obtain a skill.

Larry Vaughn helped me to decide how to go about obtaining an associate degree in nursing. Because I had not been in school for over 20 years and could not remember whether I had taken the ACT, he helped me through the process of getting the materials and preparing for the exam. If it was not for his encouragement and help, it would have been too overwhelming for me to even entertain the thought of going back to school.

Vernon Johnson helped me build confidence. Without the constant reassurance, I am sure I would have given up. Mr. Johnson helped me with the voucher program and directed me to other organizations I was not aware of to help with the financial burden of housing and utilities.

I am so thankful for this program and the people who work there. Thanks WFN, I could not have done it without you.

Tyrone  Simmons,  60085
My last job was in August 2009. I moved to Chicago for six months and couldn't find work. When I returned to Waukegan, I used the Job Center of Lake County, an Illinois workNet Center, to look for work. I got a call from one of the job applications I had filled out online. I had three interviews and just received the paperwork to start as a Deli Worker at a major retailer in June 2010. 

Patricia  Doornbosch,  60098
If it wasn't for the WIA program at McHenry County Workforce Center, an Illinois workNet Center, I would not have had the chance to learn web design software. The level of the training provided was great. I just finished my trainings last week, but I have already been able to send out my updated resume and I feel more confident about getting a job.

Susan  Benton,  60014
After 34 years of employment, I was laid off from my position as an Executive Administrative Assistant. I was devastated and didn't know where to go or what to do.

I began attending the McHenry County Workforce Network meetings at an Illinois workNet Center and found I was eligible for the WIA job training program. I received training as a Medical Administrative Assistant. The training enabled me to obtain schooling to achieve this certification that I would not have been able to afford on my own. The experience was great.

The way I got my job was by talking to everyone I met. I was at a Christmas party with a friend of the family and one of her friends and I started talking. It came down to her knowing some jobs would be opening up soon and she would keep me in mind. After a few months, I forgot about it, figuring the job wasn't approved or something and lo and behold, the phone rang. A phone interview on a Tuesday, a face-to-face interview the following Monday and a job offer on the Friday after that.

Although the job is not in the field I received my certification for, the training was extremely helpful in that I was able to increase my computer skills and the office administration skills transfer to any field.

In short, please keep talking to everyone you know. You can never tell where a job lead may come from. I never expected this, but I'm grateful it has happened. It feels so good to be back in the workforce again. It's not the same money, but feeling useful and productive again means more than you will ever know.

Good luck in your job search and keep talking! I'm here to tell you, it does work.

Dusty  King,  62249
I never wanted to follow in my father's footsteps to be a truck driver. I knew what sacrifices he had made. But my wife and I both lost our jobs within the same year and we were facing foreclosure. So we visited the Madison County Employment and Training Department, an Illinois workNet Center. They guided me through pre-tests and education to get me ready for the truck driving program at Rend Lake Community College. I now work at a refinery driving workers to their stations. I love my job and I love going to work every morning.

Courtney  DeYoung,  61534
I am a student in the CARY program at Midwest Central High School in Manito funded by Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center. Before this program I never had a job and knew little about the workplace. Through our classes, I learned that I must respect my co-workers, work as a member of a team, and to do as my boss tells me. These were lessons that I put into practice during the summer youth employment program.

During the work experience, I got into the habit of living on a schedule: waking up early; getting to work on time; working long hours. I learned how to be responsible for my own actions. If a problem came up, I used the skills I learned in class to deal with it properly. The things I have learned through being in this program have helped me prepare for my transition into the “real world.” I can’t wait!

Sara  Benshoff,  62664
The youth program at Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center, is a great success. If they did not have this program I would have struggled so much to pay for high school, my books, and my clothes for school. The program helped me and it will help someone else in my position if you keep it.

Deanna  Berndt,  60014
I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to be a recipient of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Act. I’m currently enrolled full time in school to become a Medical Assistant and Billing and Coding Specialist. I don't know where I would be without this program and all the help and resources that have been available to me through the McHenry County Workforce Center, an Illinois workNet Center.

I am so thankful to the people in my Woodstock, Illinois office for their encouragement, affirmation, and diligence in trying to find help with training, job opportunities, and socio-economic help for those in our area. These programs are how we can see government truly trying to help us at the basic level. It has been a beacon of hope and support when so many of us need it right now. I encourage everyone to take part in the many seminars, training, and counseling opportunities offered.

PLEASE have more of these programs and more money for these hard economic times!

Rhonda  Geschwandner,  62305
I experienced a reorganization which eliminated my position. I was earning a very nice wage, then realizing $10 was likely the best I could foresee – it was tough. Fear of an unknown future, I did have confidence my skills were good – just as evident was that additional education was necessary.

I receive support, encouragement, direction and information from the Quincy WIA office, an Illinois workNet Center. I have been assisted by many members – Jeremy Oshner each Wednesday for great tips and a bit of personal coaching. Cynda Schutte has been very understanding, patient, and kind as I near completion of the Microsoft Office 2007 MOS certification course work at John Wood Community College. I could not have done it without the help of the Dislocated Worker program!

I have been working after a period of six months unemployment. I pray that others may benefit from WIA assistance. My heart goes out to the high U.I. figures because that is real people hurting. Those people are under the strain and stress of daily living with a fraction of their usual pay. WIA has put the heart and feeling back – I was able to collect myself and feel positive about the future. Please keep funding going. I am grateful for the investment in me because I feel WIA makes the difference!         

David  Taylor,  61554
Without this funding I could never afford nursing school. Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center, means getting to achieve my dream of being a nurse and helping others. It also means a support system. I know they are there to help me graduate, pass the NCLEX and find a job.

Kathryn  Cihlar,  61546
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) has made a huge difference in the lives of at-risk teenagers in rural Mason County through the creation of the Career Link grant-funded CARY program (Careers for America's Rural Youth) at Midwest Central High School in Manito, IL. Each year, between 20 and 30 at-risk juniors and seniors are chosen to participate in this college- and career-prep program. Students who lag in reading or math skills, are behind on credits for graduation, face family and financial difficulties, and/or have problems with discipline or attendance at school are given a chance to turn their lives around by joining CARY and becoming part of a successful program with connections to a brighter future. 

With constructive nurturing, academic tutoring and realistic goal-setting, the students become active, enthusiastic participants in academic achievement, career and college exploration, community leadership and volunteer activities to better themselves, their families, their school and their communities. Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center, is able to provide valuable summer job experiences for CARY students, where they can apply the job skills they have learned in the classroom. Each year, between 8 and 10 CARY students are awarded with $500 scholarships to Illinois Central College. WIA is a crucial part of the success of CARY and Career Link. 

Lawrence  Urewicz,  60156
In 2007 our family business fell upon hard times. We sold the business and I worked for the new owner for a year, after which I was laid off in January 2009.

With my background in Quality and Continuous Improvement, I participated in a WIA training program for Lean/Six-Sigma Certification at the University of Illinois. I began temping to supplement my unemployment benefits and landed a part-time position making $8.95 an hour, but in January 2010 my unemployment benefits ended.

After applying for over 500 jobs in the last 18 months, I applied for a salaried executive position in my field starting at $60/k annually. Within a week, they made me an offer and I accepted. The company that hired me told me the reason they hired ME was because of my personality and upbeat attitude.

I'm thankful for the part-time position I had for the last six months, even though it wasn't my desired career job. I enjoyed the job, I made new friends, it helped me pay the bills, and I learned a lot. And it helped me feel valuable.

So the moral of the story is: your situation is temporary...it won't last forever. Hang in there, don't give up, stay upbeat, and work in even a menial job if you can because you never know if it will help you get to your dream job.

Good luck & take care,

L. Urewicz