WIA Works for Illinois

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.

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.

Ruth  Stagner,  62069
R. Anne Stagner, Mt. Olive, IL

I had been stuck in working a variety of dead-end jobs, offering no future or benefits. I needed a change and with a visit to the Job Center, an Illinois workNet Center in Carlinville, IL, that change happened. I filled out an application for the WIA program, wanting to attend school. Within a year, I was accepted and attended Lincoln Land Community College. WIA provided paid tuition, books and a travel allowance. Without the travel allowance in particular, I would have never been able to afford to travel to LLCC in Springfield for classes.

I graduated in May 2009 with an Associates degree in Accounting. Within six months of graduating, I obtained a great job offering benefits and a future. I am currently working full-time and attending University of Illinois at Springfield working on my Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Business Administration. Without the WIA program, these changes would not have been possible.

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.

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! 

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.   

Sally  Hanrahan,  61021
The following is my client Amanda Michel's WIA success story:
I believe Vince Lombardi said it best when he said, "The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work." I had never planned to go to college, but I had three children to raise on my own. My job just didn't pay enough. BEST Inc., an Illinois workNet Center in Dixon helped me with tuition and book assistance, transportation costs and other services so I could concentrate on my studies and my kids. My college experience was wonderful. I served as President of the Single Parent Association and spoke at my commencement ceremony. And now I have a stable, meaningful career in nursing!

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

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.

Cory  Lenard,  62812
When I came to Man-Tra-Con, an Illinois workNet Center, I had just graduated from SIUC with my Bachelors in Psychology. I had zero experience in relation to my degree. I had worked only one job for the last 8 years, and that was fast food.

Beth Reed, my career specialist, asked about my "dream jobs" and what I liked to do. I wanted to help people, specifically teens. I was depressed about not being able to continue on with my graduate degree due to financial reasons, but Beth was nothing but supportive. She helped me through the process of making a resume and drafting cover letters. Beth never let me give up.

When a job came up that I was interested in — working with Man-Tra-Con's youth department on the 2009 Summer Works youth project, I applied and Beth helped me prepare for my interview. I was nervous, but with Beth’s guidance I was able to relax and got the job. I had a great time working with the youth. I also saw how much the staff at Man-Tra-Con cares about their clients. This isn't just a job to them, this is about helping people find their dreams and reach them.

I have found that life's real miracles are not the huge things that stand out, it’s the little things we hardly ever notice that really mean something. Without WIA services through Man-Tra-Con I would not have the experience and privilege of starting my career.

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Carrie  Pierson,  62644
I am almost 40 years old and I have been hearing impaired and wore a hearing aid all my life up until about 4 years ago when I lost all my hearing and got a cochlear implant. About 3 years ago, my life changed for the worst! Due to my hearing loss, my equilibriums are 10 times the normal size and crushed all my hearing bones, leaving me severely dizzy 24/7. It was miserable! I had been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant since 1992 until I became dizzy. Now I am better, but I have limits on what I can and cannot do. I take it one day at a time.  

I felt worthless, not being able to work. I could not afford to go to college to change my career.  Without Career Link, an Illinois workNet Center, I would not have been able to go to school!  Now I am going to school full-time for medical billing and coding so I can work from home. With my new career in progress, I have adjusted my career around my life. I know that if I wake up dizzy, I won't have to worry about calling in to work and losing my job.

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.

 

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!

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.

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. 

Chloe  Li,  62326
I received financial assistance through WIA to help finance my dual credit classes. With the help of the Galesburg Workforce Service Center, an Illinois workNet Center, I have been able to earn 12 credit hours before even starting classes at Western Illinois University to pursue a nursing degree in the fall of 2010. I will already have credits for some of my GERs. Also, WIA helped me get my first job last summer working at the University of Illinois Extension Office. Because of WIA, I met lifelong friends and made my summer and my high school career productive. Thanks WIA!

Chloe Li
Colchester, IL

Jennifer  Fields,  61554
In 2005, I took a  leap of faith and returned to school. I  resigned from my job and started taking full-time classes at a junior college. It did not take long for me to realize that I had made the right choice. The company I had been working for had a massive lay-off.

It had been several years since I had last been in a classroom and the thought was very intimidating, however, I knew that I wanted a better life for my five children and setting a positive example seem like a great idea too.

It was a  huge culture shock going from a junior college to nursing school. The classes were much harder and working would have been nearly impossible. I had no idea where the extra money was going to come from to buy books, uniforms, supplies, etc. Then a friend told me about WIA. I applied at the Pekin workNet Center.The program helps me pay for books, uniforms, gas, tuition. Without the help of this great program, I may have had to drop out of nursing school. I simply could not afford to achieve my dream without their help and support. My case manager is very friendly and goes out of his way to link me with helpful programs in the area. Thanks to WIA, I will graduate in Dec. 2010 with my BSN. 

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.