ESG-RRH Homeless Program Success Story

In January of 2024 Agency got a call about a 24-year-old single mother who was living in her vehicle and staying in a tent while allowing her 3-year-old daughter to stay with family so she could be cared for properly. The child’s father is deceased and mother is having a hard time. Agency was able to place client in safe, suitable housing and help client find the needed items such as furniture, household items, clothing and food to help client get started. Client was so excited to be able to have her daughter back with her in her care.

Agency worked with client to help her with education choices and life skills such as parent training, nutrition, money management and budgeting. Case manager transported client for appointments and to help client make the connections needed to get her benefits started back for her and her child. Client was transitioned to HUD in December of 2024 and now has a job at the College. She is thriving and states she is happier than she’s ever been.

ESG-RRH Housing Success Story

In September of 2024 Our agency received a phone call about a 21-year-old gentleman who was living on the streets with nothing except a backpack. Agency was able to make contact with client and work with him to place him in housing, and help him get the necessary items he needed to be able to live in a safe, clean, suitable environment. Case manager worked with client to help him get the training he needed to be able to search for jobs. Case manager worked with client on Life Skills such as budgeting, conflict management, household management, shopping, and money management. Case manager transported client to trainings and job interviews. Client got a job on 11/15/2024 making $21.00 an hour and requested to be removed from our program. Client is now self-sustaining and continues to work his job. He keeps in contact with case manager to report his progresses and is so thankful for the program he states saved his life.

COC-PSH Homeless Program Success Story

In September of 2023 Agency received a call about a 56-year-old disabled gentleman living on the streets under a bridge in a tent and unable to meet his basic needs. Case manager worked to build rapport with client and after gaining his trust he agreed that he needed help and asked to be placed into the homeless program. Agency worked with client to help him find and obtain safe, suitable and stable housing. Client stated he had not slept in a bed in almost 2 years. Agency worked with local organizations to help client obtain the furniture and housing items he needed to be able to have a home.

Case manager has worked with client on tutoring to help him learn to read and write better, life skills training, which includes household management, shopping, budgeting, and nutrition, and daily living skills. Client still remains on the Permanent Supportive Housing Program through our agency and is thriving at the present time. Case manager performs home visits and continues to work with client to ensure he remains stable.

Client Name: Justin – Adult Eligibility Date: 08/07/2024

January 27, 2025

The client came into the office seeking help with obtaining a Class A CDL. He applied for and qualified for WIOA services. He was in need of skill that would lead to full-time self-sufficient employment. After completion of an Individual Employment Plan, Assistance with Labor Market Information, and a Career Assessment the client set a short-term goal of obtaining a Class A COL/Truck Driving Licensure. He was approved for and received assistance through WIOA to pay for the direct cost of training. He also received supportive services to assist with the cost of the exam and license fees. He successfully completed the truck driving training on November 1, 2024. He obtained full-time employment as a truck driver and began working on 2024/11/18 for a Concrete company in Bell County. Upon speaking with the client today, January 27, 2025, he continues full-time employment as a truck driver.

Career Advisor: Flora Wattenberger

SUCCESS STORY

JONATHAN CAME INTO THE CAREER CENTER HERE AT HARLAN COUNTY CAA. STATED HE WAS LOOKING FOR A WORK FROM HOME JOB. EXPLAINED OUR WIOA SERVICE PROGRAMS TO THE CLIENT. THE CLIENT DECIDED TO FILL OUT AN APPLICATION. THE CLIENT HAD A COMPUTER AND NEEDED TO GET INTERNET. ENCOURAGED THE CLIENT OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS TO GET THE INTERNET TURNED ON AND HE DID. AS SOON AS THE CLIENT APPLIED FOR THE WORK FROM HOME JOBS THROUGH OUR TELEWORKS USA PROGRAM, THE CLIENT OBTAINED FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT WITH CONCENTRIX. THE CLIENT LANDED A POSITION AS TECHNICAL SUPPORT ADVISOR. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF THE CLIENT AS CONCENTRIX IS ONE OF OUR HIGHER PAYING WORK FROM HOME JOBS. HE IS STILL CURRENTLY WORKING AND LOVING HIS NEW JOB.

In March 2024, Brad requested WIOA assistance with CDL training. He was single and household of one with no income. Because of financial hardship, Brad also requested assisted with travel expense to training. He successfully completed CDL training with Lake Cumberland CDL School in May 2024. After intensive job search, Brad obtained employment with Source Power 9/4/2024 at a rate of $34 per hour. To date Brad remains employed with Source Power and stated that he is thankful for the assistance he received with reaching his goal of CDL training and full-time employment.

Storm Funding Stream

With the support of WIOA, Jaydon successfully completed the Lineman Training program at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC). The program provided him with the essential skills, certifications, and hands-on experience needed to excel in this demanding field. Upon completing his training, Jaydon’s hard work paid off. He was offered a position with Carolina Power and Signalization, starting on January 6, 2025. In this role, Jaydon earns an impressive $23.18 per hour, well above the self-sufficiency standard for the region. Jaydon’s journey highlights the impact of skill development and workforce training in transforming career prospects. His success serves as an inspiration to others seeking to build a brighter future through dedication and perseverance.

Storm Funding Stream

Priscilla, a Harlan County resident, overcame significant challenges on her path to success. At the time of her application to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, she was experiencing homelessness. Determined to improve her circumstances, Priscilla enrolled in CNA training during the summer of 2024. Through hard work and perseverance, she successfully completed the program, gaining the skills and credentials needed to enter the healthcare field. In January 2025, Priscilla secured employment at Tri-Cities Health and Rehab in Cumberland, Kentucky, earning $15 per hour.

Success Story: Chelsea Griffey

Chelsea Griffey, a determined 17-year-old, joined the WIOA Out-of-School Youth funding stream on June 28, 2024, seeking support to overcome employment barriers. With no prior work experience and challenges associated with being under 18, Chelsea faced additional hurdles in securing a job. Through WIOA services, Chelsea received assistance with job searches, career assessments, coaching, interview preparation, and supportive services for work attire. Within two weeks of contacting WIOA, she began a work experience training opportunity at The Shirt Shack, where she quickly demonstrated her potential and work ethic. Upon completing her work experience, Chelsea was offered full-time employment at The Shirt Shack as an Embroidery Designer/Office Assistant, earning $12 per hour. Her success highlights how WIOA services can effectively empower youth to gain skills, overcome obstacles, and secure meaningful employment.

Beth Edwards, BSPH Career Advisor Harlan County CAA

606-573-5335 ext. 249