Youth Services and Work Experience Programs help Andrew find a permanent job in the Manufacturing industry.

Youth Career Specialist JoDene Kern reports on her customer. “When Andrew enrolled in the Youth Services Program in June 2016, he said he had hit bottom at the age of 23. He had lost his job, was on food stamps / medical card and was trying to support his 3-month-old daughter who lived with his ex-girlfriend. I knew Andrew had great potential, but I had to convince him he was capable of successfully completing his education and obtaining his career goal of finding employment within the Manufacturing industry. And — he did just that!” JoDene exclaims.

Dislocated worker and mother of 2, Christina finds a new career as a Registered Nurse.

Career Specialist Dana Marlow reports on her customer,s “Christina met with me in August 2015. At the time, she was a single mom with 2 children to support. She was also a dislocated worker who had previously worked as a Paralegal for Southern Illinois Law Center. Christina had earned a Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies. However, she was not able to find full-time, permanent employment with wages that allowed her to support her family.

LPN training helps Amanda find a better paying job.

Married with two children, Amanda was receiving SNAP benefits when she visited Man-Tra-Con for training assistance. According to Career Specialist Dana Marlow, Amanda had previously worked as a Pharmacy Tech/Daycare Center Aide, and wanted to continue her education.

Recovering from a lay-off, Mariann becomes a Registered Nurse.

Career Specialist Michelle Sanchez reports on her customer. “Marianne had been laid off in 2013, and had been unable to find employment earning the same wages. She had the credentials to work as a CNA and a cosmetologist, but her wages were not enough to support herself and her daughter,” Michelle explains.

Denise gives birth to baby boy and new career as a Registered Nurse!

Career Specialist Dana Marlow reports on her customer. “Denise came to see me in December 2013. She had been accepted into the part-time (PT) Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at John A. Logan College that was to begin January 2014. At the time, she had been working 20 hours per week as a CNA earning $9.25 per hour. Denise was also raising 2 small children on her own,” Dana explains.