Maurice has achieved great success since entering the program at Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, located in Local Workforce Investment Area 13. Maurice had to complete an application and an essay to qualify for placement at the center. He has been committed to educating himself and producing a better result for his return to the community, by attending life skills classes, cognitive behavioral groups, academic education, and vocational programming. He has used several resources to assist himself in this process, both inside the facility and outside, specifically seeking out professionals of collaborating partners – Illinois Department of Corrections, Rock Island Tri-County Consortium, Lake Land College, Black Hawk College, and Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Maurice placed into the Welding Certificate Program, at Black Hawk College’s Welding and Skilled Trades Center, Kewanee, through a special agreement between Lake Land College and Black Hawk. While he was in this program, he gained welding skills to assist with future employability when he returns to the community. He emulated what one who wants to improve his life looks like in character and actions. He was committed to the welding program and eager to learn all possible techniques, while being respectful of his classmates and instructor.
Due to his dedication to self-improvement, Maurice Thomas has successfully completed the 140-hour welding program and graduated on August 8, 2018, earning a valuable credential to be job-ready for future employment as a returning citizen.
Core partners operate the American Job Center ® Specialized One-Stop Career Center, inside Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center, the first of its kind in our State of Illinois. The team of professionals include the warden, assistant wardens, educators, counselors, officers, executive director, deputy director, career planners, resource specialists, administrators, faculty, staff, an employment specialist, and others, supported by businesses, elected officials, and workforce board members. The programs reflect the governor’s commitment to increasing public safety and improving outcomes for all justice-involved individuals who become returning citizens.