Members of LWA 7
accept the award for Karl.
“I feel great, I’m back in my boys’ lives, I’m making money, life is good and my confidence is good,” is what Karl said after receiving career services at the South Suburban Cook County American Job Center at Prairie State College (AJC).
“I had bottomed out,” said Karl, when he came to the Chicago Heights office for services in 2017. Just three years earlier Karl was working as a box truck driver for a moving company in Arizona, making $10.00 an hour, until he was diagnosed with cancer.
Karl could not work for almost three years while he was battling cancer. During that time, he lost hope and felt defeated. “I thought I lost everything,” said Karl. After years of dealing with health challenges, he lost his position as a driver, became disconnected from his sons, and his mother passed away. Karl was deeply depressed.
After several offers from his brothers to help him move forward with his life, something finally activated Karl to take them up on their offer. He moved to Illinois for what would soon become a life changing journey.
Karl sought out therapy to deal with his depression and was soon ready to get himself back into the workforce. His brothers suggested he enroll in the WIOA program at South Suburban Cook County American Job Center for career assistance. There was a warm welcoming feeling from the moment that he came into the AJC and he knew that he was ready for the challenge. The staff was helpful and guided him through the initial process of attending orientation, workshops, and completing the training guidance packet. Karl attributes his successful completion of the program to his Career Coach, Cheryl Travis, because she listened to him, supported him, walked him through each step and most of all she pushed him.
He attributes his dedication and the AJC team as vital motivators contributing to creating a new life for himself. Karl successfully earned his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) in 2017. Today, Karl is not only employed full-time, but with the generous support from his brothers, he owns a truck which he uses for his full-time career as an independent truck driver. Karl is proudly working, earning several thousand dollars per month, and has reestablished his connection with his sons.
“While there is fortune in having financial resources and a stable environment,” said Karl, his most treasured assets are his family, health, and career support that he receives from the people who believe in him.
The Partnership is honored to acknowledge Karl for his continued demonstration of dedication and perseverance he is a clear example of the type of person who is making great strides for himself.