I was extremely delighted to learn about such a wonderful program in the State of West Virginia.  After losing my job after seven years of being employed, I was devastated to say the least. This program has offered me the financial stability and a sense of confidence that I needed to plant my feet on solid ground.  I am a single mother of two and my children depend of me for financial and moral support.  Needless to say, after regaining employment through the ESP Program, I now have a job that offers me the stability that I once had.  I am now acquiring a vast array of new skills and knowledge that I can use for multiple employers. 

Finally, I am very appreciative of the opportunity that this program has provided me with. I will be forever grateful as I embark upon my future endeavors. 

With most sincerest gratitude,

Gidget

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I was extremely skeptical that DHHR was going to be able to help someone with my level of skill and experience find a job that would be in line with my career track.  In “this economy,” I expected to be underemployed – to have to have two or three jobs to make ends meet.  The thought of that, as a single father, was very distressing to me.  How could I have
worked several jobs and still taken care of my children?  This program has allowed me to use my skills and experience to help grow a local company and stimulate our local economy while at the same time grow and expand my own career.  It’s a win, win!

This opportunity has given me a very positive outlook and I believe my future could not be more bright!  I am able to use my existing skills while gaining new skills that will further secure my position with LDL Holdings and make me more marketable for future opportunities.  I can’t even begin to tell you how much I appreciate the efforts of Mrs. McWorter and Mr. Ratliff for recognizing my talents and believing in me, and especially for the foresight of Mr. Somers to explore a not-so-popular government backed program and for believing in me to perform up to his expectations.    

Troy

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Angela Portillo traveled to Haiti with a team of health care professionals to assit earthquake survivors. Ms. Portillo, a registered nurse, is a former recipient of WIA services and training programs. Ms. Portillo received her Associate of Science on Nursing degree from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in 2007.

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Roy Burch received WIA trainig services. He obtained a Class A Commercial Drivers License from Road Pro Commercial Truck Training, Inc. He is currently employed with the Family Dollar Distrubution Center located in Front Royal, VA.

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John Bowman received services under the Dislocated Worker Program. He obtained his RBA and was hired as a lab manager at O'Sullivan Films, Inc. in Winchester, VA. Mr. Bowman stated that he could have not have rceived this position without a bachelor's degree. He is now earning more than he was making at his prior job.

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In January 2011, we enrolled sixteen-year-old Jacob in the Year Round Youth Program as an out of school youth. Jacob was referred by the local Adult Basic Education instructure. Heha dropped out of school in the 10th grade. We were able to offer Jacob a modest stipend to support his continued participation in GED classes. He attended regulary and passed his GED test in April 2011. He is currently working full time and is interested in a military career in the future.