Jennifer had no prior work history before coming to Partners for Employment (PfE), but she wanted to find a job where she could help people. She stated that she wanted a good job to help pay for her own expenses instead of relying on others for financial assistance.

With the help of PfE, Jennifer enrolled in an 8-week CNA training program at the Whiteside Area Career Center in Sterling, IL. During the intake process, she was found to be income-eligible and it was also discovered that she had several barriers to employment. Those barriers included a basic skills deficiency, a learning disability, and a criminal record for a misdemeanor offense.

At the time of her enrollment, Jennifer was living with her boyfriend and his sister. She did not have a vehicle of her own, but was able to get a ride to class with her boyfriend. Also, the instructor at W.A.C.C. helped make arrangements for Jennifer to get a ride with a classmate to the clinical portion of the class which was conducted at a facility in Prophetstown, IL, nearly 20 miles from Jennifer's place of residence.

Jennifer had a physical examination prior to beginning the CNA training and it was discovered that her eyesight was very poor and a recommendation was made for her to get glasses. PfE helped Jennifer get an eye exam and glasses, which she reported improved not only her eyesight, but also her life in general. She stated the glasses helped her to feel better about herself and gave her more self-esteem and confidence.

The CNA training program that Jennifer was enrolled in ran from June 1 - July 16, 2004. Things went smoothly for her in the month of June. She had perfect attendance in class and at clinical and received excellent ratings from her instructor in all areas, including attitude, work quality, and progress. However, July began on a sour note.

Jennifer called on Friday, July 2nd to report that she had ended the relationship with her boyfriend due to repeated instances of domestic abuse and that she no longer had a place to stay or transportation. Her parents live in Indiana but she did not want to move back home until she had successfully completed the training and earned her CNA certificate. Given the circumstances, it would have been understandable for her to quit the CNA class and move home, but she made it clear that she was determined to finish her training.

Jennifer was referred to a social service agency called Tri-County Opportunities Council who provided her with emergency housing for one week. PfE was then able to make arrangements for her to get an apartment for the remainder of the CNA training. Jennifer then made arrangements with one of her classmates to give her a ride to class. On one occasion when she missed her ride, Jennifer walked to the PfE office to get a ride to class.

Despite the barriers that confronted Jennifer, she successfully completed the classroom and clinical training portion of the program on July 16th and again received excellent ratings from her instructor in all areas.

On August 19th Jennifer took the state CNA examination. Because of her learning disability, Jennifer was able to receive special accommodations for the exam, which were arranged by her instructor at WACC. On September 2, Jennifer learned that she had passed the state exam and was now a certified nurse's aide.

After taking the state exam, Jennifer moved back to Indiana where she plans to further her education and find employment. Another potential barrier that she faces is that the state of Indiana will not recognize her CNA certification from Illinois and she must take another exam to become certified in Indiana. With the perseverance and determination that she has already shown, it's likely that Jennifer will overcome this obstacle and continue down the path to a successful career in the Health Care field.

Matt Gingrich,
Career Advisor
Partners for Employment (LWA 4)
Sterling, IL