Jack is a 16-year-old, 2^nd year participant in the Summer Youth Program (SYP). While Jack succeeded well at his first-year placement, it is amazing to see what happens when the employer and youth are a great match. See what Jack’s mom, Fern, has to say below: (Photo provided by family.)

Jack has had a wonderful experience working for the 3rd Street Diner this summer.

He is always happy and ready to go to work and enjoys helping out as a dishwasher. Working gives Jack a sense of pride and fulfillment. Jack usually has trouble conversing, even at home, but he really enjoys talking about the restaurant with friends and family. He recommends the Smokey Mountain Chicken Sandwich. Jack’s parents are grateful for the opportunity the Consortium and 3rd Street Diner have given Jack to gain work experience, earn a wage, expand his social skills, and become a member of the community.

3^rd Street Diner is a local Oakland, Maryland business that has been around since the early 1970’s under various names. The Diner has been under its current name for 7 years and under the current ownership for the past 3 years.

For the past 4 summers, 3^rd Street Diner has been a repeat participant for youth placement in the Summer Youth Program (SYP) for Garrett County.

Youth placed here are kept busy primarily in the kitchen. As part of the kitchen staff, they prepare approximately two hundred meals per day. This provides them with extensive experience of working in a high-volume workplace. Experience that can prove their mettle. It is common to find no available parking when attempting to eat at the Diner. That is how popular it is.

The current manager, Lacie Harvey, tells me that of the three previous SYP participants, two are still employed at the Diner.

Lacie further tells me of the current participant and his successes. (Stay tune for that story next.)

Working with the Western MD Consortium has been a huge asset to our business, and I am very grateful for all the support they have provided us for years. Starting an independently and locally owned Solar company in Cumberland we faced significant challenges with integrating into the community and finding experienced and qualified help. WMC helped us both find the right help and overcome the economic challenges that come with training and hiring new employees. With their help we have managed to hire and maintain 2 full-time crews, which greatly benefits both us and our employees who now are trained with skills they can use to find a job anywhere they might end up. We used the On-the-Job training grant through the Western MD Consortium to be able to afford hiring and training new employees that did not have experience in the solar or electrical industry. 

Maria arrived from El Salvador in 2013 with little knowledge of the English language. With such an immense limitation, she paved the way for herself and her children by taking up work in two pizza shops to make ends meet. Referred to the Consortium by a coworker, Maria began working with a career counselor to navigate her circumstances and unique barriers to gainful, sustainable employment.

The Workforce Specialist assisted Maria in enrolling in an integrated English Training Pilot Program at Hagerstown Community College. By gaining bilingual status, Maria was able to cultivate her interests into a career path, opting to continue her education by enrolling in the CNA/GNA program at the same facility. Training consisted of two nights each week with content covering CNA duties, medical terminology and procedures, and English Literacy an additional support class. Over the course of 9 months, Maria gained confidence, enthusiasm, and a CNA license to practice.

Taking this knowledge and determination into the real world began as a paid internship at Meritus Hospital that then bloomed into accolades from managers and numerous nominations for workplace awards that reward leadership, diligence, and lasting impact on patients. Maria’s work ethic is identifiable by her willingness to answer call lights and assist in any way possible with no complaints, despite often being the only CNA on the labor and delivery floor. In the words of her team member, “people like Maria are hard to find.” In recognition of Maria’s passion and dedication to the patients and staff at Meritus, on June 18, 2025, Maria was honored with the CNA of the Year-Women’s and Children’s award.

As of now, Maria is continuing her studies to target the TEAS test, one of the many steps in completing nursing programs. She aims to continue her success for years to come.

I will always be grateful to you because thanks to you, I am achieving a dream that I never imagined I would achieve. I arrived at your work office by accident, and you helped me at the same time. I will always say “that thanks to you I will get where I never imagined. You are a part of my dream.”

After almost two decades as a production specialist with a local brewing company, Lisa was unexpectedly laid off. She arrived at WMC in hopes to explore her options and was connected with a Career Counselor who assessed her circumstances, goals, and provided a personalized, tailored plan to strengthen and streamline her chances for success.

Lisa was provided a re-employment plan that included all necessary preparation for her CDL prerequisites and course, allowing her the peace of mind to resume day-to-day responsibilities as she navigated this abrupt change. She was met with a range of supportive services such as resume writing that were designed to give her a fighting chance when training and applying for jobs in the current market.

Because of her own hard work and the resources provided by our certified professionals and resource labs, Lisa is now gainfully employed, self-sufficient, and prepared to take on the road as a licensed CDL driver with a local employer.

Amber arrived at the Western Maryland Consortium with the goal of becoming a registered nurse. The Western Maryland Consortium provided for her the guidance, resources, and funding necessary to complete the nursing program at Allegany College of Maryland.

Amber is now beginning her budding career as a medical-surgical aide at a prominent hospital in the region. Amber had this to say about the program:

“This is a fantastic program! The application process was a quick conversation with the career counselor who continued to be my main contact to the program. Throughout my time in the nursing program, the case manager patiently followed my progress and offered me encouragement, advice, and funding for educational costs. The support I received played a major role in my academic success as I was able to focus completely on my studies.”

We would like to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Amber! Congratulations!

Zachary was high school dropout who feared that his lack of education and occupational skills would impede on his ability to provide for himself and create financial stability.

Zachary arrived at the Consortium with passion and drive, diving head-first into his first obstacle: achieving his diploma. His hard work and determination paid off in record time, earning his Maryland High School Diploma within months.

He had this to say about the program at WMC:

“Honestly, I don’t think I could have done it without them [Consortium Staff]. When I tried to do things myself, I wasn’t getting things done, and they kept me motivated, and I never fell behind. My foot was on the gas the whole time.”

After celebrating his first milestone, Zachary enrolled at the local community college with the goal of becoming a welder, as his grandfather before him. The Consortium ensured that his training, welding materials, and uniform were provided so that Zachary could focus on his lessons and path forward, not his barriers.

In a matter of months, he achieved his certification and began a work-based learning experience developed by his Career Counselor and connections with local community resources and employers. A local employer created a junior position for him and, in a year, Zachary attained full, certified Welder status, remaining full-time at the company that gave him a chance.

“They are great to work with,” Zachary said, “Working with them, I always felt like I had their help and support all along the way. They just give you the push that you need.”