Jason needed training to find a better paying job when he visited Man-Tra-Con in October 2017. Career Specialist Michelle Sanchez explains, “He had been working in the coal mines, but the job had become too dangerous and he knew the industry was no longer growing.”
Stephanie, a single mom with 2 small children, came to Man-Tra-Con for assistance in November 2015. She had been working part-time as a server at Bob Evans. With Dana’s help, Stephanie enrolled in the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program at John A. Logan College (JALC).
Elysia visited Man-Tra-Con for assistance in April 2016. She was determined eligible to receive services provided through the EPIC grant program for work readiness and post-secondary training. Career Specialist Tena Studer reports on her customer, “When I first met with Elysia, I learned that she had suffered from bullying in school, and had experienced many years of extreme social anxiety, which prevented her from leaving her home. As a result, she decided to complete her high school diploma from home.”
Kaira had been employed in the areas of retail, fast food, and hospitality industries when she first came to see Man-Tra-Con Career Specialist Sherry Deangelo in November 2016. “Kaira possessed limited office skills but was interested in expanding those skills to secure permanent employment in an office setting.” Sherry explains.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kelsey wanted to pursue a new career path when she visited Man-Tra-Con for assistance in July 2015. She had been employed in hospitality and food service positions, but needed a better paying job. Career Specialist Michelle Sanchez helped her find a career path that was more in line with her interests.
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.