Meet Antwon
West Virginia - Meet Antwon
Workforce Success Story Submitted By: Region 2 Workforce - West Virginia
Workforce Challenge
Antwon is a father and was receiving TANF from the Department of Health and Human Resources. In order to receive TANF, participants like Antwon have to complete a number of hours in a educational/ work training program. Antwon struggled trying o find employment because he had a criminal record and had been incarcerated for a number of years. Additionally, he did not have any transportation to go to and from a job. He was referred to the Region 2 office of West Virginia Workforce.
Workforce Solution
At the workforce center, Antwon was enrolled into the Excel Career Club, a program that offers participants the opportunity to obtain skills that will benefit their attempt to enter the workforce, have success in retention and enhance personal goals. The Career Club System was established as a prerequisite to acquiring a job or training. The program is operated in partnership with by Dept. of Health and Human Resource in Region 2. Subjects covered in the program include computer literacy, employment skills, budgeting, interviewing, job retention, resume preparation, and time management, among others. Remedial reading and math classes are available if needed. In addition,
community leaders, businesses and educational institutions come to the classes to speak to students.
Throughout the class Antwon gave it all he had; he walked several miles to class every day and back for six weeks. The last two weeks of class he was held accountable to do intensive job searching. With no transportation, Antwon walked and rode a bicycle over 15-20 miles a day searching for employment. The job search process was very difficult, an Antwon often felt discouraged because his past history prevented him from being considered for some opportunities.
Outcomes & Benefits
With the help of the Excel Program, Antwon received support services, learned how how to re-enter the workforce and finally found a employer willing to offer him employment. He has now gained employment from Taco Bell.
At the finish of class he said, “I can say this class has helped me in ways I never thought could or would be possible. I now have employment, can support my family and have a secure paycheck weekly. This class has taught me to be a successful person not only for myself, but for my son and wife. Thanks for taking the time of helping and giving me a chance to find successful employment.”
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