Dasheka
Dasheka began her journey long before she arrived at the Kankakee Workforce Service office, working as a CNA at Healthcare Nursing Facilities. She was working for minimum to midrange wages, and at that time a desire began within her to make a change. She knew that the challenge would feel like climbing a mountain, but she was committed to making a better life. During this time Dasheka cared for her patients and was privy to a lot of injustice, neglect, and abuse. She felt hopeless in her current position and so decided to become an agent of change. She enrolled in Joliet Junior College and received her Licensed Practical Nursing certificate and Associate Degree. As she began to leap one hurdle, another one would take its place. She recalled redirecting her focus, setting her vision on higher goals. She needed assistance to acquire the skills and tools to reach her goal of becoming a Healthcare Administrator, which brought her to the WIOA office. Since that time, Dasheka has accomplished many goals and honors along her journey. She was asked to share her experience and give an update of where she is today:
“I was awarded by Envision Employee of the Year as an LPN, then I graduated with my BHA Health Administration from Governors State University. I was hired by Envision Unlimited with a starting salary of $62,000 as the Health Services Administrator. Due to the pandemic and increase in responsibility in duties my salary increased to $78,000. I was recently promoted, and though my title remained the same my responsibilities changed. I am the head of the nursing department and my salary has increased to $96,000. The nursing staff and the nursing support staff report to me. A few of my duties include implementing new health practices within the IDD-Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities division, maintaining operations of the nursing department, coordination of care for members and providing training in health and safety related subjects. A typical day for me consists of checking in with the staff at all locations to identify and address any concerns or ongoing issues logistically or clinically. Attending meetings to discuss potential intakes/discharges, staff retention and recruitment strategies, COVID testing and reporting to IDPH as appropriate. I write and review medical policies as it relates to our division as well.
I am really grateful for the WIOA grant. It has enabled me to further my education and expand my horizons. I have been granted opportunities that may have never been awarded to me as an LPN. My LPN license along with my BHA has increased my ability to provide for my children.
I began the program as a single mother of 4 children with an associate degree and a Practical Nursing diploma. I was living in a rental property. This year, I am the head of the Nursing Department for one of the largest IDD/MH providers in Illinois. I have the autonomy of creating my own work schedule so I can adequately support my children financially, while being physically present. I am a homeowner preparing to purchase my second home. The home I purchased is in a neighborhood that has allowed my teenagers to attend college tours out of state and begin preparation for advanced education opportunities.
The WIOA grant has been a key component to my successes. I will always be grateful for the impact it has had on not only my life, but my children’s lives. Thank you!”