From a PA CareerLink Client:
Hello, my name is Ciara and I am a single mom. I’ve been with CareerLink for about 5 years and they have helped me through my journey in figuring it out. After having kids, not being able to keep a job, and feeling all alone they supported me in my decision to go to Delaware County Community College. There, I graduated with high honors with my Associates degree in Business Administration. Later that year, I landed a full time job with a company I adore. I decided to pursue further education at Temple University. I am proud to say that I will be graduating this May with my Bachelors degree in Business Management. I now have a few LLC’s under my name and am working very hard to help those that were once in my shoes, lost but hopeful, see that that doesn’t have to be the end of their story. I appreciate all of the support from CareerLink staff in staying on me, encouraging me, and helping set me up for success!
From a PA CareerLink Case Manager:
Upon meeting the client’s enrollment, Luis was in a shelter for a short period of time before getting an apartment. Soon after getting the apartment, the pandemic came and made it difficult for him to travel to work. At that time, I had a chance to meet him and his family. Luis came in with CSL Plasma position and had successfully met the retention phase throughout this tragic pandemic.
Despite the challenges of being an essential worker, Luis was faced with adversity at the company with lateness and was put on probation even though the City of Philadelphia forbade employers to reprimand essential workers at the time of the pandemic. Due to the pandemic, the PA CareerLink offices were closed and the client could not receive the gift card incentives. Luis still remained calm and understanding which makes him an amazing client. In addition, His family suffered the loss of a newborn during the pandemic and the height of challenges his family had to face, Luis remained professional and in communication with WA and life coach. The life coach had a chance to witness the awesome Spirit of Luis and his family as she also kept in touch with his resources and assistance to him. He finally was able to receive his gift cards and met retention successfully.
The CSL plasma job is aware of his Strong and Excellent character which is rare to find in this uncertain world of chaos, but he manages to keep hope alive by smiling and pushing forward. At his employment, they are looking to promote & train him for a Tech position. This is a skill and character that cannot be taught but is part of being the Leader he is called to be.
From a PA CareerLink Client:
Hello, my name is Jessica. I am 32 years old. When I was younger I loved school up until my grandmother passed. I became depressed and dropped out of 7th grade. I started to work under the table at an early age and put education on the back burner. But once I had my sons I knew I had to go back and do better for myself and my children. When I started my GED classes I will be honest I felt like I couldn’t do the math at all and I started losing hope. But I refused to give up on myself and pushed through studying every night until I got it right. With the help of my teacher and the resources, there was no way I could fail.
I am proud to say I finally got my GED and I am now enrolled in community college studying behavioral health and social services. I realized I can do anything I put my mind to I will never give up on myself and anything is possible with dedication and hard work.
From a PA CareerLink Case Manager:
When I met Colleen, we sat down and devised a plan of things that were hindering her. With the instructor’s assistance, we designed a resume and cover letter, along with a list of professional references. She participated in our mock interviewing services and specifically attended the social support workshops offered. She received a job with the Philadelphia Public Pool Services as a seasonal employee.
At that point, Colleen realized that she enjoyed working and the added personal accomplishments that come along with it. I asked that she be transferred back to my caseload where her Job Developer & I searched for full time work.
Colleen received employment with Burlington Stores. Once COVID hit, Colleen lost her job again where I urged her to maintain contact with them the best that she could for reemployment. The Pool Services was also closed and Colleen lost a large majority of income. Still, Colleen persevered and in September, Colleen was rehired by Burlington Stores where she currently works.
Colleen has shown a strong ability to stay motivated and when given the opportunity succeeded.
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