Jolena first learned about the WIOA Youth program from both her mother and grandmother, who had previously received WIOA program assistance. Jolena was unsure of her career direction. She had completed her CNA through Vocational Tech at her high school and decided to look for full-time employment at that time. However, Jolena returned for assistance when she became a single parent of two young children.
Miranda always wanted to become a nurse, but did not have the support of her family. She moved out of her parents’ home and began working at Red Bud Regional Hospital. After quickly earning her CNA, Miranda found employment at a wage of $12.00 per hour.
Briant had received an honorable discharge from the United States Army in December 2012. After leaving the army, Briant found a job at Premiere Utility Services in Marion, Illinois, where he worked locating and marking underground electrical and gas lines. He was “laid-off” after six months of employment.
Stacy, in her own words, “I started working at Airtex Products when I was eighteen years old. I think it is safe to say I grew up there. I got married and had my daughter while I worked there. I even divorced and faced a serious health scare all while working there. The people I worked with became more than friends, they were my family. This is one of the reasons why after 29 years I can honestly say I was devastated to learn the factory was closing.”