Success Stories

Customer Testimonial – Joanne Beeler

Becoming a Business Partner of Western Illinois Works

I have been involved with Western Illinois Works (WIW) for eight years. When I worked at a staffing office in town previously, I met Blanche and participated in several things they were sponsoring, including job fairs.

When I came to Knapheide, because of my role in the company, I was asked to represent our company as a business partner of WIW. At Knapheide I work in all facets of our company from assisting with hiring for our production positions and office roles, to union relations, working with employees on personal/work issues, project management, legal compliance, etc.

I started on the board as a business partner for several years then was asked to join the executive board. I feel that I was able to actively participate in the conversations about how we could improve things in our area, which of course would positively affect our business. We have also been able to work with WIW on training programs for our employees, work study programs, and other things. We definitely can see the benefit of working with them.

I am proud to be on a board with so many influential members of business, education, and communities in our nine counties. We typically can all see the same issues but have various thoughts on how to get better outcomes, so we make a great group together.

“I am proud to be on a board with so many influential members of business, education, and communities in our nine counties.”

Western Illinois Works Purpose

One of the main purposes of WIW is to help upskill/retrain the current workforce when it is needed. We also want to give students information about what is available in the workforce. Not every job needs a 4-year college education, so what are other options to include direct to the workforce or a technical training program?

We want to show them what they can be doing during high school to prepare for the workforce. The FAME program is a good example of this. WIW, JWCC and a group of local employes have worked together over the last year to develop this program which targets high school students to bring them into the skilled trades field.

There was a lot of discussion back and forth before it was all put in place on how to make it work best for all involved. Now the initial class of students has begun working and going to school to be apprentices in the maintenance area at these companies.

Value Western Illinois Works Brings to Knapheide

We have worked with WIW on many training programs to help upskill our supervisors, automation team, etc. This is a huge benefit to the company because we can send more people through training for a lesser cost. We have also worked with WIW on work study programs, career fairs and other things related to bringing more people into the workforce.

Value Knapheide Brings to Western Illinois Works

I believe that Knapheide has been a good business partner. We have been asked by many organizations to show our support and we have been able to partner with WIW and so many of the other members (JWCC, IDES) over the years by working on various projects together.

My Role with Western Illinois Works

As the chair, I think my purpose is to start and engage in conversation. Many times, in meetings, nobody wants to be the first to speak up. I will do that to get the conversation rolling and then it blooms from there and is typically very productive.

Western Illinois’ Impact in the Community

WIW is here to be a positive force to help those when in need to be able to move towards a goal and a better life by working on their skills and gaining necessary experience/knowledge to get the next level up job to support their families.

They are also here to support our local education systems and business, and connect those individuals in need with the proper people to get to those end results.

Most Rewarding Aspect of Partnering with Western Illinois Works

It is rewarding to see how when all of us on the board work together, we can come up with great ideas of how to make improvements that not only affect all of our businesses, but the job seekers in our area.

How Western Illinois Works Impacts Knapheide Employees

We have a number of employees who wanted the opportunity to move into new roles. The funding that WIW has assisted us with on the incumbent worker grants has allowed several people to return to school and learn the necessary skills to receive these promotions and are now have the knowledge to work in these more technical positions.

Why I Support Western Illinois Works

WIW is here for the greater good of our nine counties and all the communities within. From the student to job seeker to businesses, they want everyone to be successful.

Looking Forward

I think we will continue to work together on training, other projects, working with JWCC when new training needs come up. I hope that I will be able to continue being a business contributor on the board after my term as the chair this fall.

“WIW is here to be a positive force to help those when in need to be able to move towards a goal and a better life by working on their skills and gaining necessary experience/knowledge to get the next level up job to support their families.”

Staff Testimonial – Darin Dunphy

What was your first interaction with Western Illinois Works?

My first interaction with WIW was during the interview process. I first discovered WIW while searching for job opportunities on their website. After seeing they were hiring, I decided to apply on a whim, and I’m glad I did—it turned out to be a great opportunity that matched my skills and interests.

What led you to become a staff member?

I was drawn to the opportunity to directly impact individuals’ careers and be part of an organization focused on helping people achieve sustainable employment. The position was a great fit for my background and passion for career services.

What makes you proud to represent Western Illinois Works?

I’m proud to represent WIW because the organization truly makes a difference in individuals’ lives by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed in the workforce. I strongly believe in WIW’s focus on empowerment and opportunity.

What do you believe is the purpose of Western Illinois Works in your community?

WIW’s purpose in the community is to provide individuals with the skills and resources necessary to gain meaningful employment and advance their careers. We help connect people to training and educational opportunities that will benefit them in the long term.

What is your purpose in your role at Western Illinois Works?

My purpose is to guide individuals through their career and training options, ensuring they can access the resources and support needed to succeed. I work to build relationships with clients and empower them to achieve their career goals.

What impact do you believe Western Illinois Works has in your community?

WIW plays a vital role in the community by helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, whether they need training, resume assistance, or guidance in navigating career transitions. The organization helps strengthen the workforce and gives people the tools to create better futures for themselves.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The most challenging aspect of my job is working with clients who face significant barriers to employment, such as lack of work experience or educational attainment. Finding the right resources to address these barriers can be complex but also the most rewarding challenge.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

The most rewarding aspect is seeing clients succeed in their career goals, whether landing a job, completing a training program, or gaining new skills. Knowing that my efforts contributed to their success makes the work truly fulfilling.

How does Western Illinois Works make a difference in the lives of your clients?

WIW makes a difference by providing tailored support for each client’s unique needs. For example, I worked with a client without prior work experience but was interested in pursuing a commercial driving career. We secured funding for his CDL training, and he now has a full-time job and a stable career.

If you were to explain to someone why you work at Western Illinois Works, what would you tell them?

I work at WIW because I believe in helping people take control of their future and achieve their career goals. The work we do is impactful and has a lasting effect on individuals and the community.

Where do you see Western Illinois Works heading in the future?

I see WIW continuing to expand its outreach and impact in the community. We’re constantly adapting to meet the needs of the workforce, and I’m excited to be part of an organization that is growing and evolving with the times.

What makes you most excited about the future of this organization?

I am excited about the future opportunities at WIW and the potential for professional growth within the organization. I look forward to continuing to support our clients and seeing them thrive in their careers.

Customer Testimonial – Mahoganee Gay

My Motivation

Motivation was never something I just had. There were many times I wanted to get my GED, but I quit because I didn’t believe in myself. I made excuses for myself.

I was in a deep depressive mode that held me down. I blamed everyone but myself for the way I was feeling. I felt hopeless and confused on what would be next in my life. I cried and cried; I felt like a failure. But my motivation was growing inside of me every day.

Watching my kids grow, I wanted to be the perfect role model for them. My kids are my motivation. I strive to be the best mom I can be every day. If I don’t do anything in life, I want my kids to remember that I tried.

What led me to attend John Wood was my experience with the GED program. They were so helpful and caring for me and my dreams. I loved how they supported me and my kids. As a mother of three, I want to be someone my kids look up to.

God and my kids were my biggest motivation. I couldn’t depend on anyone else to do it for me. I had to fight with myself just to get up and go. And when I did I never looked back.

Barriers I Faced

There were many barriers for me, from finding daycare, to working full time third shifts as a CNA or as a psych tech, and the worst barrier was my mental health.

I suffer from severe depression, anxiety, and PTSD. When you have been through traumatic experiences it changes you as a person for better or worse.

In spite of all the things I’ve been through, I bottled up my pain behind a mask. Lost in my head, it was easy for me to just give up on my dreams, my goals, and my hobbies.

When I started my CNA classes I knew I couldn’t quit. I knew people were depending on me and I wanted to show everyone I could do it. It just took me back to when I loved school. I felt like I found a part of me that I was missing. I loved that I challenged myself to actually try and get the job done.

“I became a success story through Two Rivers who also participated in my success.”

My Turning Point

When I was pregnant with my first son, I was in a debate with myself about finishing school or just getting a 9 to 5 job and settling for a job I know I will never enjoy, and I kept hearing myself say I wasn’t going do it.

I remember sitting in the car and praying for help, a type of guidance to my success, it was a matter of time God started moving mountains for me, knocking down barriers that would never move before every test I sat and had a discussion with him and when I came out, I just knew I passed.

God showed me I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me (Philippians 4:13) literally.

What I Would Tell Other People About my Experience

I would tell them that I had no hope whatsoever in myself. I was letting my trauma define me. I was letting other people get in my head to the point where I started to believe them myself.

I had to shake myself out of it; you have to shake yourself out of it. There comes a time when the whole world is on your shoulders or you feel a sense of loneliness or like ‘No one cares, why should I?’ And I want to answer that you are your own purpose no one can define you but you.

You have to prove to yourself that even when you are your biggest enemy, you can, and you will when you walk through the doors at school you have to take a deep breath and say “I am and I will!”

Turn your phone off and concentrate. You can be your biggest asset or your biggest failure. Every choice you make defines who you are in the end.

I would have to say the anxious feeling of not knowing if I’m going to make it in life was the most difficult thing about pursuing my education. I think about it a lot, and it’s a mental battle of whether I’m pursuing the right passion and if this is what God has planned for me.

Right now, I’m learning to put my faith in him because he won’t steer me wrong. And don’t forget to make time for you. Self love is the key to a relaxing time!

Most Rewarding Experience

I won a scholarship. I became a success story through Two Rivers who also participated in my success. I gained a longtime friend in my instructor Stephanie. And most importantly, my kids got to see me do it.

How I Heard About the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

My instructors had told me about Two Rivers helping with CNA classes. I felt like this was a good option for me because I felt like I knew what I wanted to do and how I wanted to succeed in life. I just needed help accomplishing my goals and they did that for me.

“I would tell people that WIOA is a great opportunity to take advantage of.”

Customer Testimonial – Kaylee Fiss

Your WIOA (Two Rivers) Experience

How did you hear about WIOA?

My uncle had mentioned WIOA before I was even enrolled in school. He told me there was a program that could help pay for schooling.

Why did you feel like this was a good option for you?

I feel like when someone helps me through something financially, it motivates me to succeed. So, I would say that this was a motivator for me since they had helped me with my payment of school.

If you were to tell a friend about WIOA, what would you say?

I would tell a friend, “Do it! It is well worth it and so beyond helpful. They will be there for you every step of the way.”

If WIOA had not been available, would you be on the same path you are on today?

I would still have been on the same path as I am today without assistance from WIOA, however; I would have been stressing a lot more right now about paying so much money back in school loans and how I could not afford to even take my nursing boards because that is $200 alone to sit for the NCLEX. This program has lifted that stress off me.

Your Two Rivers/WIOA Experience

What led you to want to pursue your education? What was your motivation?

I have always wanted to be in the medical field for as long as I can remember. Of course, when I was in high school, I wanted to become an anesthesiologist. They make a lot of money, but then I found out how much schooling was involved and decided against that.

My mom went to nursing school and talked about how much she liked nursing, so I chose the same route.

I started off as a CNA and then found it wasn’t challenging enough for me; I wanted to do more and help more. I then worked as a Medical Assistant, still wanting more but I loved the job. I got my LPN in July of last year and then started my RN in August.

My motivation to pursue my education was my children. I wanted them to see what hard work looked like after it was all said and done.

Were there barriers that stood in your way to attend school? How did you overcome these obstacles?

The biggest barrier was money, of course. And time – nursing school takes up A LOT of your time every single day. There was no way I could have worked full time, gone to school, and stayed sane.

It took me awhile to have the courage to go back to school. How was I going to pay for myself and my children?

Overcoming that obstacle was asking for help. I had to ask for help from my parents, sister, my boyfriend, and other family members. Both financially and mentally to make it through these last two years. Mentally I could not have done it without their support.

What was the most difficult thing about pursuing additional education?

Finding the time to study while still running a household and working was the most difficult thing about pursuing my education.

What was the turning point in your life that made your schooling a top priority?

Moving back home from Arizona was the smartest thing I could have done. My life had changed in many ways. I not only had myself and my kids to worry about, but I also now had a blended family that came with my boyfriend and two more kids. We were now a family of six and it was time that I put my head down and focus on making sure that I finished school and did it in the time that was required. I had to make sure that I could financially contribute to my family as well.

What would you tell other people about your experience? What motivation could you share?

It is not easy going back to school and I will not pretend it is. You will question why you are even putting yourself through this and is it even worth it. It is; it is worth it once you are done. You will feel like you have accomplished so much, because you have!

Not everyone can go to nursing school, nor does everyone want to go to nursing school, but stick with it and keep pushing because you will be so happy you did.

During my experience I questioned a lot of things as I was going through this program. I thought about giving up so many times but having people rooting for you and pushing you to make it through is the only way I did make it through.

What has been the most rewarding result of your time spent working with Kathryn/Two Rivers to make this happen?

It was very rewarding when Kathryn with Two Rivers and the WIOA program told me that yes, they will help me pay for school. It was a life saver.

I unfortunately didn’t have many options on where to go to school, and the school I went to was expensive. Kathryn and Two Rivers saved me so much money and they were very good to work with. They stayed in touch and were always there to answer any questions that they could for me.

Looking Forward

What are your hopes for the future?

I want to be able to focus on learning everything I can in allergy to be able to explain it to my patients and go to work and then go home. And maybe have the strength to eventually go back to school for an even higher degree, but we shall see.

Please share any and all other thoughts here.

I would have to say this is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It was so stressful I literally at times thought I was going to crazy. Now that it is all said and done, I feel so much relief. I am glad that I stuck it out. All I am waiting for now is for the state to give me permission to go sit for my boards.

Customer Testimonial – Kaylee Fiss

Introduction

In my role, I assist students entering the Adult Education GED and ESL programs and provide career services as students work their way through the programs.

If students are unsure of what they want to do next, I work with them to narrow down what might be a good career fit based on their skills and interests.

Whenever possible, I connect students to our partners who might be able to provide funding for schooling or work experience. I also help connect students with JWCC, or the school of their choice, for additional education or training. Other students choose to go directly into the workforce, in which case I can assist them with their job search and application process, or work in partnership with WIW to find openings in their field of interest that could turn into a career.

“What makes me proud to represent JWCC and WIW is the impact these opportunities have on the students’ lives.”

Our WIW Experience

JWCC worked more loosely with WIW before the 2014 WIOA legislation established adult education as a core partner. The availability of funding through the WIOA Out-of-School Youth Grant led JWCC to partner with WIW. This partnership provides us more resources and practical ways to provide workforce readiness services more directly to each student.

I am proud to represent JWCC and WIW due to the impact these opportunities have on the students’ lives. Many of our students have had a lot of challenges and sometimes don’t believe they can achieve their goals and live above their previous struggles.

I believe WIW plays an important role in providing a bridge for individuals who might otherwise just settle for poverty and a life of unfulfilled dreams. In addition, WIW also serves to empower and provide skills that would otherwise be missing from our workforce and the economy of our communities.

As we often see, wasted skills and discouraged individuals affect future generations, so by helping individuals gain skills and elevating them above their struggles, we change the trajectory of their children and grandchildren as well.

As a WIW partner, JWCC Adult Education serves as a steppingstone for individuals to position themselves ready to be catapulted forward – often with the help of the WIW assistance and programs. On a personal level, I love to see people find their purpose and achieve beyond their dreams.

In my experience, WIW serves as a bridge-builder for broken dreams for individuals and as an important partner to local and regional employers. Not only do the individuals benefit from the programs – their success may even inspire their network and families to pursue their own dreams in becoming everything they can, and that we as a society need them to be.

The most challenging aspect as a partner of WIW is to help people understand the value of the opportunities set before them. It’s truly within their power to change their lives.

On the flip side, it is very rewarding to see our students flourish doing things and going places they never thought they could. A changed life is the greatest reward for all of us.

We have had several students who qualified for WIW programs including some who just finished their first college course through an ICAPS logistics class. They all agree it was a great introduction to college level education. They also agree the class will help them get a good-paying job.

A couple of students stated the logistics class is directly related to their chosen career path. Another student just finished her CNA class, while other students have gained important skills through the Paid Work Experience program.

If another agency or an employer is curious about becoming a WIW partner, I would want them to know that these workforce programs create one of the best pipelines for undiscovered and previously untrained talent and skills – resources that are so vital to our society becoming the best it can be.

Looking forward, the opportunities ahead for the partnership of JWCC and WIW include expanding the ICAPS programs to serve more students and adding all career fields. With these partnerships, we can provide much-needed credentialing leading to self-sustaining wages.

I’m excited to see the programs grow and students leap into the future with their dreams and skills coming together.

“On a personal level, I love to see people find their purpose and achieve beyond their dreams.”

Staff Testimonial – Crystle Adams

Western Illinois Works (WIW) Beginnings

I was working at a newspaper, a valuable experience, but I was not really loving the corporate feel. I had worked at a nonprofit right out of college and liked that atmosphere better, and I wanted to help people.

What Makes Crystle Proud to Represent WIW

I feel there is tremendous value in helping others find the educational and career paths that will be a good fit for them, provide for their families, and put them into positions to be contributing to the common good.

The Purpose of WIW in Crystle’s Community

We help connect people to resources that they may not know are available. We can help alleviate some of the struggles individuals in our community face, allowing them to become happier, more productive citizens.

Crystle’s Purpose at WIW

My purpose is to be a staff resource to help staff to do their jobs more effectively, thereby serving our clients better. I started as an educational and career counselor and job developer and spent about 15 years directly working with participants, helping them decide on training choices. Now, I use my expertise to help staff work more effectively.

WIW Impact

Over the years, we have helped hundreds of participants find their best fit in training and job options. These people have gone on to raise families, become business and industry leaders, and participate in decision making in their communities. That has tremendous value to all of us in the region.

The Most Challenging Aspect of Crystle’s Role at WIW

The most challenging thing for me is staying on top of the numerous federal and state guidelines and managing work time to fit everything in.

Why Crystle Works at WIW

I like to help others explore and find their best selves, so they can be a positive influence on their families and community. There is tremendous satisfaction in seeing someone get excited about their achievements and path in life.

The Most Rewarding Aspect of Crystle’s Role at WIW

“The most rewarding thing about my job is knowing that we are making a positive impact in our communities.”

Ebony’s Career Journey – Finding a Calling in Healthcare

Ebony turned to Western Illinois Works to enroll in the WIOA Youth Program because of the struggles she faced as a single mother, taking care of her father, and with no reliable transportation.

Taking the First Step

She knew she wanted to work in the medical field but wasn’t sure in what capacity. She didn’t have an extensive employment history but knew she needed to find something to support herself and her daughter.

A work experience position was created for Ebony at the City of Macomb Community Development Office. Job duties included sorting and scanning their backlog of forms and paperwork.

Excelling in Education

Ebony started classes in the Medical Assistant program at Spoon River College in Macomb. She earned very good grades and is currently studying for her state certification for Medical Assistant.

At school and at Ebony’s work experience site, she flourished, learning new skills, and made new connections in the community.

Besides Occupational Skills Training and Work-Based Learning, Ebony benefited from the WIOA internship program, which she completed successfully at McDonough District Hospital. She received assistance with transportation and resume preparation.

Self-Sufficiency

Ebony was hired full-time by Pella Corporation in Macomb. She is still seeking a job opportunity within the medical field. Her case manager at the McDonough County Office in Macomb was essential in helping Ebony with these services during the past few years.

As in so many cases, when the odds are stacked against someone, they must reach down and find the grit and determination to keep on going, and that is just what Ebony did during her time in the WIOA program.

Finding Success

Ebony was especially persistent when she was juggling school, a job, a child, and taking care of relatives who were ill. It is a true testament to her steadfastness.

Ebony found the confidence she didn’t even know she possessed.

Mawule’s Career Journey – Finding a Calling in Healthcare

It was a good day when one of Mawule’s fellow students told her about WIOA and referred her to Western Illinois Works. Mawule had recently started an associate degree in Nursing (R.N.) program at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg.

Early Struggles

A single mom with three children, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) on the weekends while in school, Mawule was having a difficult time making ends meet.

The financial stress of worrying about paying her bills was impacting her ability to do her best in school.

Focusing on Education

Since Mawule received SNAP benefits, she was eligible to enroll in WIOA starting the following semester. She credits WIOA assistance with the jump in her fall semester GPA of 2.36 to her spring semester GPA of 3.20. She was able to concentrate on her studies without the constant worry of not having enough money.

Mawule moved to the United States from Togo, West Africa. She has no family in this country but said that a “kind neighbor” sometimes helped her with the children. Her native language is French. She speaks English perfectly but found reading and writing English to be more of a challenge.

Added Pressure

It is in no way an exaggeration to say that the ADN program is extremely demanding. The language barrier made Mawule’s dedication and accomplishments even more impressive. Sadly, Mawule also dealt with the passing of her beloved mother in Togo during this time. It was even more difficult because she couldn’t be there.

Finding Success

Mawule passed her NCLEX Board Exam and received her Professional Registered Nurse license. She was immediately promoted to R.N. at the nursing home where she worked.

Mawule is very grateful for the boost WIOA provided to help her accomplish her dream.

Sarah’s Career Journey – From Struggle to Success

Sarah, of Pittsfield, Illinois, is a recent Individual Achievement Award recipient from WIOA (Western Innovation and Opportunity Act). Sarah epitomizes what WIOA clients are able to achieve.

Struggling to Support Her Family

She first applied for assistance as a single mom of three girls, as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Although she was working full-time, she still qualified for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), struggled financially, and lived in a tiny, cramped two-bedroom trailer.

Sarah wanted to be a nurse but decided to wait until her children were just a little older, as she did not want to miss their early development.

She said they were, “Just living, not living life, but surviving life day-by-day.”

Gaining Confidence

Sarah applied for the WIOA grant to obtain her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) license. She also applied for SNAP Supportive Services while she was in the nursing program.

She scored high with healthcare services on her WorkNet Career Cluster assessment and said that her inspiration to be a nurse came from her mother, who is also a nurse.

Then Sarah scored well on the nursing entrance exam, which gave her the confidence she needed.

Sarah’s research determined that the nearest nursing school for her was 72 miles round-trip and that without transportation reimbursement, she would be unable to complete her training. Later, her clinicals would be even further at 117 miles round trip.

Surviving and Thriving

Through the WIOA program, Sarah received tuition assistance, books, fees, scrubs and shoes, mileage reimbursement for training, and monthly gas cards from SNAP to cover getting to work.

Sarah’s employer worked with her, adjusting her schedule to part-time on weekends, so she could continue her training, and offered her a position as an LPN when she was licensed.

Sarah said that she was able to survive and thrive because she was not working full-time and trying to excel at a rigorous course of study.

Since then, Sarah has graduated and has completed her final licensure test.

When Sarah started in the program, she was receiving $15 per hour and barely covering her monthly expenses. As an LPN, Sarah makes $27 an hour at her current employer.

Sarah has almost doubled her income, moved into a home that fits her family, and because of Western Illinois Works, has a sustaining career, all within a year of her original application.

Sarah said, “I did want to add a huge thank you to the WIOA program. I couldn’t have done this without the support.”

“Sarah was determined to make a better life for herself and her children. She knew she was capable of more, and she was right.”

Cornucopia Success Story:

Over 30 years and through four expansions due to growth, Cornucopia is positioned as a premier source of organic foods, natural healing products, nutritional supplements, body care, and eco-friendly cleaning choices in the Galesburg, Illinois area. Additionally, their unique deli offers freshly prepared foods daily, including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free menu choices. All of this requires organization and research. To meet this need, now and for the future, Cornucopia has developed a DOL Registered Apprenticeship program for a Purchasing Agent. The apprentice will gain experience in a fast growing, high demand industry where the opportunities are increasing rapidly, while earning a Department of Labor credential upon program completion. Congratulations to Cornucopia!

The Yum Factory Success Story:

Everything worked the way it should for The Yum Factory owner Melanie Aitken. Upon hearing about the Apprenticeship Illinois initiative, she sent an inquiry for more information through the Illinois workNet website. Within a few days her inquiry was forwarded to the Illinois Apprenticeship Navigator serving her region and contact was established.

The Navigator then met with Melanie several times to answer questions and present how apprenticeships could help her business. Time was taken to discuss development as well as possible funding options for the program once it became registered. An apprenticeable occupation was identified and both the Navigator and YUM Factory owner began to design the apprenticeship program which would recruit, train, and retain the type of employee needed for YUM Factory’s future.

The next step was to submit the draft program to the Department of Labor representative for final developmental steps. The US DOL Apprenticeship and Training Representative helped finalize Melanie’s goals and made the program registration ready. Final approval was received, and congratulations were sent to YUM Factory for their first Registered Apprenticeship Program!

After registration, the WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) provider for the Local Workforce Innovation Area has helped fund several new apprentices into the new DOL Registered Apprenticeship program. YUM Factory’s future looks good – and – as Melanie Aitken would say: “Have a Sweet Day!”

Philbro Success Story:

The Regulatory Affairs Specialist apprenticeship will help Phibro carry out their mission to provide safe and effective solutions for their customer’s unique challenges in optimizing animal health and nutrition for better lives and a more sustainable world. The apprentice will gain understanding and application of evolving basic and translational science, regulatory science, and public health concepts to drive new approaches to improve the development, review, and oversight of their products.

Phibro’s story begins with a goal of contributing to a healthy, affordable food supply by helping farmers responsibly care for their animals. With determination and integrity, the company has grown into a global company. Now 1,400 strong, their team values the trust placed in their products and people.

Philbro’s commitment to excellence is demonstrated every day by members of their team, who like to say, “It’s just what we do” when really, it is who they are. Their broad portfolio of products, backed by in-house manufacturing, innovative research, and exceptional service, are the core of their partnerships with farmers, ranchers, and veterinarians. With a growing line of natural, sustainably produced products, they offer responsible solutions to help support the health of all animal species, including cattle, poultry, swine, and aquaculture.

The company’s future looks extremely bright, guided by the same commitment to integrity and hard work that brought them to where they are today. Their beliefs and responsibilities are core to their operations each and every day.

Customer Testimonial – Joanne Beeler

Becoming a Business Partner of Western Illinois Works

Staff Testimonial – Darin Dunphy

Customer Testimonial – Mahoganee Gay

Customer Testimonial – Kaylee Fiss

Your Two Rivers/WIOA Experience

Looking Forward

Customer Testimonial – Kaylee Fiss

Staff Testimonial – Crystle Adams

Ebony’s Career Journey – Finding a Calling in Healthcare

Mawule’s Career Journey – Finding a Calling in Healthcare

Sarah’s Career Journey – From Struggle to Success

Cornucopia Success Story:

The Yum Factory Success Story:

Philbro Success Story:

TRRC Locations

Adams County Workforce & Admin Office

Adams County Community Action & Weatherization Office

Brown County Community Services Office

Brown County Workforce Development Office

Schuyler County Office

Pike County Office

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