Ebony
Ebony enrolled in the WIOA Youth program in 2019. She was a single mother, taking care of her father and lacked reliable transportation. She knew she wanted to work in the medical field but wasn’t sure in what capacity. She didn’t have an extensive employment history, but knew she needed to find something to support her and her daughter.
A work experience position was created at the City of Macomb Community Development Office. Job duties included sorting and scanning their backlog of forms and paperwork. Ebony enrolled in the Medical Assistant program at Spoon River College in Macomb. She received very good grades and is currently studying for her State certification for Medical Assistant.
At school and at her Work Experience site, Ebony flourished, learning new skills, and making new connections in the community. She achieved very good grades at school and was a quick learner at her job. Her case manager, worksite supervisor, and WIOA Youth Coordinator noticed how Ebony blossomed from a shy young woman into a confident, intelligent, empathetic person in just a few years.
Besides Occupational Skills Training and Work-Based Learning, Ebony benefited from the WIOA internship program, which she completed successfully at McDonough District Hospital. She received assistance with transportation and resume preparation. At this time, Ebony has been hired by Pella Corporation in Macomb and will start a full-time job soon. She is still seeking a job opportunity within the medical field. Her case manager at the McDonough County Office in Macomb was essential in helping Ebony with these services during the past few years.
Though the odds were stacked against her, Ebony reached down to find the determination to keep on going during her time in the WIOA program. She was especially persistent during the worst of the pandemic, when she was juggling school, a job, a child, plus taking care of relatives who were ill. It is a testament to her steadfastness. Ebony found confidence she didn’t know she possessed.