Life Turned Around Within 6 Months because of OAI! Story Image

Life Turned Around Within 6 Months because of OAI!

Delilah came to OAI with ... +
Hide Story -
Name: Delilah
Date: 06/13/2023
Career Pathway: Health Science
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Impacted Geographical Area: LWIA
Location of Service: 60639-3600

Delilah came to OAI with limited healthcare experience and no access to transportation. Still, she demonstrated a drive to succeed and a willingness to receive training and guidance from the OAI Youth Career Pathway (YCP) team. She completed OAI’s youth boot camp on foundational skills and started Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training.

Delilah experienced transportation issues early in her training, which she shared with the OAI YCP team. Aware of Delilah’s potential, OAI worked with her to develop a plan and provided supportive services to alleviate transportation and scheduling challenges. The team also provided guidance and support to help Delilah secure an internship site closer to her home on the city’s northside.

Delilah did not stop after passing her CNA state board exam and completing her internship. Supported by OAI, Delilah completed Phlebotomy training and registered as a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Now, she is working as a Patient Care Technician at Loyola Gottlieb Memorial Hospital and studying for a nursing program as a registered student at Triton College.

Here is a quote from one email Delilah sent to the OAI team after she completed the program:

“I just want to thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the CNA program because it really did make a difference from where I was before I discovered this program! I was able to qualify for the PCT position, and it’s been two years in the making to achieve this goal! My life turned around within six months because of this OAI program which I am incredibly grateful for!”

Life Falls Into Place Story Image

Life Falls Into Place

My name is Tfyra, and thi... +
Hide Story -
Name: Tfyra
Date: 06/13/2023
Career Pathway: Health Science
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Impacted Geographical Area: City or ZIP Code
Location of Service: 62040-4486

My name is Tfyra, and this is my story.

Everything happened perfectly; my mother was preparing to move back to Texas, but I wanted to stay in Illinois. I was trying to get into a License Practical Nurse (LPN) program at my local community college, but I failed their entrance exam. It crushed my spirit, and I didn't know where else to apply for affordable training. I continued working odd jobs to make ends meet (contributing to my mother's household). Then one day, I learned about Midwest Career Source (MCS) from my mother. She told me about their CNA program: getting paid to become trained and certified. I initially didn't believe her about getting paid to become a CNA. I contacted MCS, and they told me about the program. I completed the application, PASSED the entrance exam, was interviewed, and ACCEPTED into their program.

I was scared and nervous at the beginning of the program, but MCS Administrators and St. Elizabeth's managers helped calm my nerves and let me know they were there to help me. After my nerves calmed down, I was excited because it was the beginning of my nursing career; it was the motivation I needed to finish the program. I love the training and the support that I received from MCS. I no longer have to work odd jobs where I'm not happy. After graduating from the program, I took my state exam and passed on my first attempt.

Now as a CNA, I enjoy coming to work and caring for my patients, meeting their family members, and supporting my co-workers. The nurses at the hospital have been available to answer my questions and help me along the way. As my mother suggested, I made the right decision to contact MCS. Otherwise, I don't know what I would have done or where I would be.

I love and appreciate everyone from MCS because they held my hand throughout the program. They provided me with additional nursing information to pursue my nursing degree in the near future.

Inspiring Story Led to State of the Union Address in D.C. Story Image

Inspiring Story Led to State of the Union Address in D.C.

As a dedicated single mot... +
Hide Story -
Name: Andrea
Date: 06/13/2023
Career Pathway: Architecture and Construction
Program: Youth Career Pathways
Impacted Geographical Area: County
Location of Service: 62522-3265

As a dedicated single mother pursuing a management track at McDonald's, Andrea Kelly decided to enter a career involving construction with an interest in electrical work. She applied to Workforce Investment Solutions to join the Pre-Apprenticeship program offered through the Youth to Career Pathways grant.

Andrea was a committed student and hard worker! She continued to work at McDonald's during the Pre-Apprenticeship program until it was time to enter work experience through the Pre-Apprenticeship class. It was a leap of faith to quit her full-time job and take a chance on work experience with Bodine Electric. Andrea loved her job with Bodine Electric; the company hired her after completing the work experience. She applied and entered a Registered Apprenticeship through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in February 2023.

She was selected to attend the State of the Union Address in Washington, D.C. as Congresswoman Nikki Budzinsk's guest. This was an excellent experience for Andrea; she is now a successful IBEW apprentice!

Watch Andrea Kelly's video.