When Matthew first heard about WIOA it was through the unfortunate closure of his employer, Schutt Manufacturing/Certor Sports, located in Litchfield, Illinois. Matthew had been an employee of Schutt for 21 years, and although the plant closure had been talked about for 2 years prior to the actual closing, it did not become a reality for Matthew and the other Schutt employees until they received their 60 day notice in September 2022.
Erika first came to learn about the CEFS/WIOA program through Lake Land College. She needed to secure full-time employment that would have great wages and benefits to support her family. Erika had a dream about wanting to become an RN.
Scarlett joined the St. Clair County WIOA Youth Program in hopes of getting a second chance at her education. She struggled with focusing and staying on task throughout much of her academic career. Having no way to manage her ADHD symptoms, she dropped out by the time she reached 11th grade.
Intake Coordinator Jo Dene Kern reports on her customer. “Elle’s educational journey to become a Registered Nurse began when she visited Man-Tra-Con for training assistance in September 2017. At the time, she was 23 years old, unemployed, a single mom to a 3-year-old son, and 100 miles away from family. With WIOA training assistance, she enrolled in the spring 2018 semester at John A. Logan College (JALC) to earn pre-requisite credits toward the Nursing program,” Jo Dene explains.
Julie has been an exemplary participant in the WADI WIOA Program. She has shown a dedication to succeeding and is an example to others that obstacles can be overcome to achieve success. Julie has taken on the role of providing for her family as her son and husband are both disabled. She currently works two jobs as well as having just completed her Pharmacy Technician Program.