Justin
It is unfortunate, but not uncommon, for a teenager to make a bad decision that would cost them years of their freedom growing up. Nineteen-year-old Justin was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a decision that cost him the ability to grow up as a young adult. Years of being away from life outside had posed more barriers and adjustment than just getting a job. Unfamiliar with how the world worked, he was still determined to find his potential. He contacted the McHenry County Workforce when he was about to be released to get assistance with employment.
Upon release, he met with Business Service to explore job opportunities. His original thought was to pursue a job and training as a tattoo artist using his artist skills. Further conversations and assessment with Business Service identified other transferable skills that he possessed. Those skills led to career exploration and then to a Work Experience as an administrative assistant intern in the McHenry County Workforce office. During the Work Experience, Justin completed the remaining credits to receive his Associate degree. He was also able to engage with job seekers that were referrals from Illinois Department of Corrections and from County Specialty Courts to assist them in their employment plans. He also assisted with work readiness workshops for justice impacted job seekers.
All that experience came at a time when a position for a career planner became open. He was hired full-time in a new profession and his artist talent was left as a hobby. Currently, in less than a year, his job seeker caseload is 25% justice-impacted customers. He has developed skills to explore career options with job seekers that feel limited because of their past. He is using his past to help others with their future.