ELIZABETH, 62939-1900
I, Elizabeth Bullock, came to Shawnee Development Council, Inc. seeking help to retrain after working at Verizon for 15 years. I was forced to retire but wasn't ready to quit working. I wanted to go into the Medical Coding Specialist Field. I tested high on the TABE test and started classes in the fall of 2009 and in May 2010 received a certificate of Coding and Billing and then received the Medical Coding Specialist degree in August 2010.

I applied for many jobs and thought that it was my age keeping me from finding anything. During a conversation with my case Manger we discussed the fact that since I was over 55 I could check into the Title 5 (Older American's) program.

Within a few weeks after applying I started as a Title V worker in the Johnson County Office and when an opening as a part time clerk came open I applied for that position. During this time I received help through Shawnee Development Council, Inc. with LIHEAP.

I am now a part time clerk for Shawnee Development Council, Inc. in the Johnson County Outreach office.

Nancy, 62305-8083
When I lost my job of almost 8 years, I knew exactly what I had to do. Yet, I didn't know if I would be able to afford to go back to school. I had always desired to become a Registered Nurse and have an impact on those in need of help, so I applied for assistance through the WIA program and hoped for the best. I was just finishing up my first semester of nursing school when I received the call from Jeremy informing me that my application was accepted and that WIA would be there to support my schooling. 

Jeremy helped guide me throughout my journey with the program. They provided resources that helped me succeed in school along with financial support for books and tuition each semester. I felt as if the weight had been lifted off of my shoulders, and I was given the opportunity to solely focus on succeeding in my education.

Not long after graduating with my Associates Degree in Nursing, and passing my State Boards Nursing Exam, I was officially a Registered Nurse. I now work at a hospital and love my job! Without the help I had received from the WIA program, I don't know if I would have been able to finish my journey. I am truly grateful for the opportunity I was given.

Alfred, 62363-2815
The WIA program has helped me out in ways I didn’t think were possible. They helped me start my education beyond high school. Without the help of the WIA Program and Caroline W. it wouldn’t have been possible. I was glad to be working with her. She always had words of encouragement for me and always told me that she was proud of me. They gave me the opportunity to succeed and I didn’t let them down. I am getting ready to graduate from John Wood Community College with my Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement. I am going to continue my education at Western Illinois University. The help they provided made it possible for me to go to WIU. I can’t say thanks enough for all the help that they have given me. I hope they can continue to help others in the future. This is a great program and I love that there are people that care enough to give us this chance. Like I have said before I can’t tell them enough that I am thankful for all the help that they have given to me.

To read how I started out with the WIA program, click here.

Christina, 62274-1904
When it comes to life’s journey, it’s important to know these three things: 1. your starting point 2. your ending point 3. the route you’ll take. Life for me changed suddenly, and I found myself among the statistics; a single mom with no college degree and no job. I knew I was the only person who could fix this horrible situation. I decided I wanted to be a Radiology Technologist, and began classes.

I soon realized that I would not be able to afford school, let alone daycare. I learned through friends, that Man-Tra-Con offered help for women like me, so I contacted them. I had an appointment within two days and the Man-Tra-Con staff was incredibly helpful in providing for my particular needs. I got accepted in the Radiology program at Rend Lake College, and received help the entire two years from Man-Tra-Con’s awesome staff. I graduated from the Radiology program at Rend Lake College in May of 2010, and had a part time job one week later. Man-Tra-Con didn’t give up on me however, the goal was to obtain a full time position and that’s what we were going to do. In July of 2011 Man-Tra-Con helped me secure a full time job as a Radiology Technologist by participating in the On-the-Job Training program.

Since accepting the full time position I have successfully taken the Mammography registry, and am studying for the Computed Tomography registry. I would like to take this time to thank each and every staff member at Man-Tra-Con that helped me achieve my goals. Without you I could have never made it this far.

Help getting a job

Jennifer, 61330-9253
As a single parent, I came to BEST, Inc. seeking assistance with training. I needed training in order to support myself and my child. I entered the CNA program and successfully completed it. I was so excited to have accomplished the first step in achieving my goal of becoming a LPN. I submitted my letter of intent to the nursing department at Illinois Valley Community College and was accepted into the LPN program.

I am currently participating in this program and working as a CNA. I am very grateful for the opportunities BEST, Inc. has provided for me. I am doing well in my classes and will be a wonderful and caring nurse. It is not easy raising a child alone, working a full time job and attending school, but I still stay positive and confident that I will reach my goal of becoming a LPN.

Help getting a job

Sara, 61021-3439
What has the Dislocated Workers Program done for me? After losing my management position due to operations closure, it gave me the chance to gain a college education. Having a family of four meant that there wasn’t any “extra” money to go towards tuition or book purchases. With the program, I could now have the opportunity to go to school and not have to worry about not having “extra” money.

Before getting the opportunity to go back to school, I had a solid work history on my resume, but no college education. With the Dislocated Workers Program, I will be able to add graduate from Sauk Valley Community College, May 2012 with an Associate’s degree in accounting. In addition, with my first internship I gained employment with a local accounting firm, which will continue for years to come. My family and I are truly grateful for this program; because of it I will be able to provide a better for future for all of us. My appreciation goes beyond words for the Dislocated Workers Program. Thank You, Sara Mixen – Lee County

Help getting a job

Troy, 61353-8909
It is difficult to put into writing how my life has changed because of the Dislocated Workers Center. My life, like many others, has faced lay-offs, stress and financial uncertainty; however, this program gave me the power to make excellent choices that positively impacted my family.

Without this program I would have never considered going back to school, I would not have been able to afford to drive to school or buy the necessary additional supplies needed and I am not sure if I would even be employed. In May 2011, I graduated and by August I had a position at a funeral home in Oswego. I have been there four months now and received my first raise in November. Every three months based on performance, I receive a raise. At the end of my year of employment, I will receive benefits that include: profit sharing, 401K, health insurance, vacation time and sick time.

I can guarantee that without the program I would not be in a position that afforded me these types of benefits. The dislocated workers program allowed me to study for a career that not only has job security but a future. I am now employed full time as a Funeral Director and finally in a stable and fulfilling career. Thank you again, Troy Tipsord, Funeral Director Intern

Training: Funeral Service And Mortuary Science, General

Chicago Federation of Labor's Workforce Assistance Committee, 60154-3773
The CFL's Workforce Assistance Committee office in Westchester provided valuable job search services, including placement in an On-the-Job training program for three dislocated workers.
View CFL Workforce Assistance Committee Letter

Read how three construction industry professionals benefitted from the State Energy Sector Partnership. SESP addresses energy efficiency and renewable energy by providing job training in various green economy areas such as Energy Auditing, which focuses on energy conservation in homes and buildings.
View HACIA Success Stories

Kim, 62914-1560
Recently, the Wabash Area Development’s WIA program paid the tuition cost for Daniel A. from Edwards County to take a “757” flight program course in Las Vegas after being laid-off from flying small cargo planes. He wanted to upgrade his skills so he would be able to fly larger planes.

Within two months he had completed his training. Now he had the task of trying to decide which job he was going to take. He had six different companies that wanted to hire him. He finally decided to go with the Qatar Airlines in Qatar, Arabia.

He will be starting at the end of January and making $235,000 a year. He gets a new home at no cost to him, all utilities and food included and a car to drive when he is on land. We wish our customer all the best in his future. It just shows how the WIA program can work for the person who wants to better themselves through education and hard work.

I received Dislocated Worker and Trade Adjustment Act (TAA or TGAA) Services

Kim, 62914-1560
Miranda T. began the WIA program in the spring semester of 2006 at the age of 27 as a single mother of 4 young girls. She had already taken one semester of classes at Shawnee Community College (SCC). Miranda knew that a college degree would help her find better full-time employment than the two jobs she was working.

She was living in housing, using food stamps to make ends meet, using Child Care Resource & Referral to pay her child care, and doing everything possible to make a life for her family. After hearing how the WIA program could help with tuition, books, travel and child care, she knew this would let her complete her college courses without an additional financial burden.

Miranda took classes as she could, sometimes only part-time, studying hard to keep her GPA as high as possible. After all, she felt grades were reflective of how hard a person strives to be the best they can be. She was on the Vice-President’s list several times when she was an full-time student and finished with a 3.79 GPA. Miranda graduated from SCC in August of 2011 with an Associate’s of Applied Science as a Legal Administrative Assistant. She was also in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor’s Society and graduated with honors from the college.

Miranda has been working full-time for Shawnee Development Council, Inc. as a Weatherization Specialist since 2006. Her work includes using the knowledge that she has learned in classes, especially in the computer technology area. She has moved into a home with the help of Rural Development. Miranda has also battled cancer in the past year but believes her education has set an example for her children, family, and friends to follow.

I am an adult who received help getting a job

Betty, 62656-1821
Robert, a man in his mid-50s, came into the Greene County Job Center looking for work. The plant where he had been employed for many years had closed down. Since he was not old enough to retire, he decided to try to find a job. Due to a poor economy, securing meaningful employment would be difficult. Robert also felt that his age might be a problem for some employers, even though age discrimination is against the law.

Robert met with the WIA career specialist and she provided information on the WIA program and various options for training. He did a little research on his own, too. Robert was interested in the auto-diesel technology program offered at a school in Indiana. WIA  would help with his tuition and fees, so that made his decision of leaving his home a little easier.

Robert and his wife stayed in Indiana until he finished his training. When Robert graduated, he had a job waiting for him back in Illinois. He immediately moved to Lincoln and started work earning $38,000/year with full benefits. He is thankful for the help and support he received from the job center staff. The WIA program made it possible for him to learn a new trade and re-enter the workforce in a new career.

I received Dislocated Worker and Trade Adjustment Act (TAA or TGAA) Services

Betty, 62656-1821
Marsha was 40 when she lost her job. She had been employed at EMI, a Jacksonville manufacturing company that was downsizing with plans to eventually close. Marsha spent several months looking for a new job, but had no luck.

Marsha visited the job center and with the career specialist's assistance, she decided to pursue training in the healthcare field. She enrolled in classes at Lincoln Land Community College with the intent of entering the occupational therapy assistant program. Upon completing the prerequisite classes, Marsha applied for the OTA program; however, she was not accepted. 

Marsha was determined to continue working towards her goal so she applied for the OTA program at Parkland College in Champaign, where she was accepted. She was elated even though attending classes in Champaign meant she would have to move.

With hard work and dedication, Marsha graduated with an associate’s degree as an occupational therapy assistant. After graduation, she relocated to Iowa to help care for an ailing family member. Marsha stays in contact with her friends at the job center and has reported that she is a licensed COTA and was recently hired by a clinic in Johnston, Iowa. She loves her new job and is proud to be working with children, helping improve their quality of life. She expressed her gratitude for the guidance and encouragement she received from the staff at the job center and for the financial assistance the WIA program provided her as she pursued and attained her goal.

I received Dislocated Worker and Trade Adjustment Act (TAA or TGAA) Services

McHenry County, 60098-2614
A letter from Ron H. -I have accepted the full-time position of client support/customer service reception with the Northbrook Animal Clinic, with the start date of Wednesday, February 8th. This is a “reinventing adventure” for me, transferring into that world of customer service reception supporting veterinary care.

As you know; my career experience this last 28 years has been focused on the diverse manufacturing of print project management. I am looking forward to this new career adventure and learning new terminology. The disciplines of providing customer service transcend industries, the soft skills of listening; comprehending, extracting details and deciding on the best course of action have helped me in this new adventure. I have not abandoned my search for print project management; however I am grateful for this new learning opportunity to expand my skill set and apply them to the best of my abilities.

Please express my appreciation to all of the staff members at the Workforce Center in Woodstock. I am grateful for the Network to Success Job Club guest speakers who shared their struggles and success, their commitments to networking, the act of exchanging ideas fused with encouragement and accountability, reminding all of us to never, never, never surrender.

I am an adult who received help getting a job

Betty, 62656-1821
Doug worked at the EMI Music Distribution Center in Jacksonville for 33 years, he planned to work a few more years and then retire. When the plant announced they were closing, he began looking for work.

The job market was tight and many of the local manufacturers had moved or closed. He knew it would be difficult to find a new job, especially for someone in their mid-50s. Doug came to the job center often and applied for several jobs online, he regularly checked the job board and the local newspapers. He was hoping to find meaningful employment as he needed to work another ten years. After talking with a career specialist about training options, Doug decided that short-term training in a career that would take him through to retirement was the best alternative for him.

He was enrolled in the WIA 1E Program and attended truck driver training classes at Lincoln Land Community College. Within a few months, Doug had obtained his CDL and landed a truck driving job in the local area. He is earning almost $16/hour and is extremely happy to be working again. WIA provided the financial support and training he needed to secure a job.

I received Dislocated Worker and Trade Adjustment Act (TAA or TGAA) Services

Betty, 62656-1821
Josh was a successful participant in the summer WIA youth work experience program. Josh proved to be a hard worker who was willing to accept and learn new tasks. When the program ended, his employer regretted that he could not hire him as a regular employee.

Josh became a regular visitor at the job center; using the resource room, checking the job board, and submitting applications with local employers. He was actively looking for work and was hoping to find a local job because he didn't have a driver's license. One of the job center career specialists talked with Josh about job training. He then participated in career testing and research and decided to pursue training in auto-diesel mechanics.

With the financial support of the WIA program, Josh attended school at Nashville Auto Diesel. He completed the program and recently graduated. Josh is back in his hometown and happy to be working with a local company utilizing all the knowledge and skills he gained from his auto-diesel mechanics training.

I participated with a Summer Youth Employment Program

Betty, 62656-1821
Dale had been working for a local company for more than ten years when he learned they were closing and moving to Mexico. He was very worried about his future as he had a wife and family to support.

Dale attended the Rapid Response workshops and learned about the various programs and services that would be available to him. Dale was not interested in retraining, he was just anxious to find another job and get a paycheck. Dale was a frequent visitor to the job center where he would search for jobs on the computers, check out the job board, and meet with staff. He was actively looking for work for several months when he decided that he must get retraining in order to qualify for the jobs that were available.

Dale was eligible for the TAA program and enrolled in training at the National Pipe Trades to acquire the skills he needed to be a welder and a pipefitter. He did very well in all of his classes and completed the training. Dale is now working full time and earning $18/hour. He is due for a raise in three months. He is very grateful for the assistance he received which enabled him to reenter the workforce.

I received Dislocated Worker and Trade Adjustment Act (TAA or TGAA) Services

Betty, 62656-1821
When Josh came to the local Job Center, he already had a great plan for his future. He was recently laid off from a job in the banking industry and was seeking assistance to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a Personal Trainer. Josh was well organized and had researched various programs and schools in Illinois where he could acquire the training. He came to the Job Center for assistance and they could tell immediately that he was a hard worker and was serious about achieving his goals. The WIA program was able to assist Josh and he enrolled in a 6-month program where he acquired the training he needed to become a Certified Personal Trainer. Josh moved to the Chicago area where he landed the job of his dreams. Everything worked out according to his plan.

I received Dislocated Worker and Trade Adjustment Act (TAA or TGAA) Services

Betty, 62656-1821
Tom had worked for EMI, a local manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, for nearly 43 years (1966-2009), when he found out he was being laid off. He attended the Rapid Response workshops and learned that there would be a temporary peer counselor position available through the AFL-CIO to help fellow workers transition. Tom was selected for the position and was a great help to the job center and to many of his former co-workers.

Tom realized he would soon have to make a decision about his own future. Knowing the local job market and being familiar with the health care field, he decided to seek assistance from the WIA program. He was interested in the nursing program at Capital Area Career Center in Springfield and was anxious to enroll.

Tom completed the CNA program and was accepted into the School of Practical Nursing. He did extremely well in all of his classes, received his license of practical nursing degree and is currently working in the emergency room at the local hospital.

I received Dislocated Worker and Trade Adjustment Act (TAA or TGAA) Services

Betty, 62656-1821
Deon was a participant in the WIA Youth Work Experience Program. He was a very quiet young man who had never worked before. He was interested in computers and was placed with a new employer to the area in their print shop. Deon could apply some of his talents in art and graphic design. It was a perfect job match, both the employer and the participant were happy. Deon proved to be a great worker; he was always on time, was eager to learn new tasks, and got along well with his co-workers. When the 10-week Work Experience Program ended, the worksite was so pleased with Deon they decided to offer him employment. Deon accepted the job. Deon has recently decided to register for college in the fall to study Graphic Art and Design.

I participated with a youth program

Betty, 62656-1821
Chris had enrolled in the Jobs for Illinois Graduates (JILG), a high school career exploration program offered to eligible juniors and seniors. He was committed to his school work and wanted to get good grades so he could graduate and attend college.

Chris was considering taking classes in law enforcement or electrical training after high school. Chris also participated in the youth work experience program during the summer and proved to be an excellent and conscientious worker.

In May of 2006, Chris graduated. He entered Lewis and Clark Community College that fall and qualified for their nursing program. While attending LCCC, Chris worked part-time as a hospital technician in St. Louis. Chris hit several roadblocks along the way, but nothing deterred him from continuing. After a particularly hard time, he met with his WIA career specialist regularly and she encouraged him to remain focused and stay on track to reach his goal; and that is what he did.

Chris graduated in December, 2010, with an AAS-registered nursing degree. Chris passed his state boards and has accepted a position with a local hospital and is earning $20/hr. Chris will excel in his career as a health care professional. He is grateful for the financial support, guidance, and career counseling he received as a result WIA.

I participated with a youth program

Carrie, 61350-1234
Laura came to BEST, Inc. seeking assistance with obtaining her CDL License by completing the Truck Driver program at IVCC. She successfully completed her training and received her CDL; she was so proud when she brought her CDL into the office. Laura immediately sought employment. She began by driving a straight truck, proving to her employer that she was indeed a very competent driver. She now works for the Illinois Department of Transportation and is sending her two oldest daughters to college. She is continuing her education by taking online courses and attending Ashland College in Clinton, Iowa.

I am an adult who received help getting a job

Carrie, 61350-1234
In December 2011, BEST, Inc. Business Service Manager and NCI Works member Dianna Schuler met with HCC in Mendota to discuss how the Peru BEST office could assist them in recruiting applicants for approximately 30 to 40 openings. As a result of that meeting, on December 27th the Peru BEST, Inc. office began accepting applications for Assembly and Welding positions. To date one hundred and fifty job seekers have since submitted their application and feedback from HCC Human Resources has been positive. The opportunity to assist HCC with their recruitment has brought job seekers into the office that might not otherwise have discovered the services available to them through our resource room and has provided the opportunity for BEST to promote its role as a workforce development agency with much to offer the business community.

I am an Employer or a Business

McHenry County, 60098-2614
Chloe T. - When I was 16 years-old I got my first job with the McHenry County Youth Workforce. I am now 18 years old and I am working on my third job outside of the Youth Workforce. Going into my first job with the Workforce I had no idea what to expect or even how to act. The Workforce Specialist changed that all for me! With weekly workshops and their nonstop availability to Workforce members, I was able to gain confidence in my career skills. All of my jobs with the Workforce taught me to be humble in the workplace, to never be afraid to ask for help, to be patient and thoughtful, to have respect and to persevere, even when it is difficult. They also taught me different skills such as customer service, computer skills, and people skills. Every job that I have interviewed for since I left the Workforce has offered me a position. This is all thanks to the specialists that taught me everything I know about getting a job, especially in this type of economy. The Workforce does more than anyone can possibly think of for so many youth. It goes beyond just helping youth find jobs, it teaches lessons and life skills. I am proud to say that while I was a member of the Workforce I graduated high school early. I am currently on the Dean’s List at my community college and I will be moving out of state this year to further my career opportunities. I believe that this is all thanks to the McHenry County Youth Workforce who led me back onto the right path when I was veering in a different direction. I would like to see the Youth Workforce stay around for a long time to help other youth who are struggling or even just need the opportunity for job placement. The Workforce is a great program that I owe my job success and one day, my career, to.

I participated with a youth program

Robyn, 62526-1634
Increased demand in the energy markets and the pump, compressor and electric motor industries found the Decatur Foundry, a manufacturer of iron castings, with a need to increase its workforce by 50%.

Using WIA funds provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Macon DeWitt Workforce Investment Board worked with the employer to find and recruit qualified candidates, provide skill upgrade training and the personal equipment necessary for the new hires to join the Decatur Foundry workforce.

The company was on a fast track to hire forklift operators, furnace operators, grinders, inspectors, painters, molders, quality technicians, supervisors and welders. Salaries ranged from $10.75 to $23 per hour with the option of insurance and profit sharing. This was a great opportunity for unemployed and underemployed individuals in Decatur and the surrounding areas.

The Decatur Foundry has been extremely happy with the quality of candidates interviewed and has hired 50 new employees. National Emergency Grant On-the-Job Training incentives provide support for 18 of those employees (long-term unemployed 22 weeks or more) and the foundry anticipates hiring another 10 molders within the next week. They also continue to review applications for other positions. The company is excited about the partnership with Workforce Investment Solutions and very pleased with the work ethic of their new employees.

The new employees are excited about their employment and speak highly of the company. Without the grant from DCEO and the Workforce Investment Boards supportive services, some could not have afforded the necessary work supplies like grind helmets, prescription safety glasses, safety wear, steel-toed boots and warm work clothes. Both the employer and the employees are thankful for the On-the-Job Training program funded by DCEO and the opportunity that it has provided. This is a prime example of how DCEO and the local workforce investment areas assist businesses with their hiring needs and job seekers with obtaining gainful employment.

I am an Employer or a Business