Deborah, affectionately known as Deb, was a 62-year-old woman facing homelessness and the challenges of substance use. Seeking treatment at a local long-term facility in Washington County, Maryland, Deb was in desperate need of stable housing, economic stability, resources, and support.

When Deb came to our office, she was fully supported by her treatment facility. An assessment revealed her immediate need for employment and new, employable skills. With the help of the treatment facility, which provided case management, documentation assistance, and transportation solutions, Deb was placed in an adult transitional work experience program.

Deb thrived in this program, successfully completing her work experience. She was then hired by one of our newly established Recovery Friendly Workplaces, a pilot program encouraging employers to adopt practices that support mental health and recovery. In this supportive environment, Deb felt fully empowered.

Deb’s journey didn’t stop there. She moved into her own apartment, continued to overcome barriers, and achieved significant milestones. After 12 months of employment retention in her Recovery Friendly Workplace at Brooke’s House IOP Center, Deb transitioned to her career field of choice, where the foundation had been laid through her work experience. She has since become fully stable and independent. Her story is a testament to resilience and the power of a supportive community.

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!

Luke Mill, one of the oldest manufacturing plants in the county for over 131 years, announced that the Luke operation will be ending production and closing operations, resulting in the dislocation of nearly 700 employees.

Matt, along with many others responded in shock, attending a Rapid Response assistance workshop presented by the local Workforce Development agencies, searching for some kind of direction.  During the workshop, Matt learned details of opportunities that were available to help displaced workers adjust to the circumstances of being unemployed.  Matt focused his attention on the option of attending school, ensuring his career would be back on track.

With the guidance of WMC’s staff, Matt developed an individual training plan that became the career pathway roadmap.  In a matter of two years, he completed the Physical Therapy Assistant Program.  In obtaining the required necessary certification and industry recognized credentials, he accepted a full-time, permanent position with a local industry leader as a traveling physical therapy assistant.

Matt commented at his completion of training, “Like I’ve told members of TRA, DOL, AC, and Gail Groves, my career counselor, I greatly appreciate the opportunity that you guys presented at my feet in the face of a difficult employment transition period. The program was run beautifully as I had little trouble from any department along the way. You all stuck to your word from the beginning. I would not be in the good financial or career position if it were not for this entire program. I am truly grateful!”

Devon came to Western Maryland Consortium with the ultimate dream of instilling joy in children by honking the horn of a big rig as he passed, just as he remembered being so excited to hear as a child himself.

He arrived at the Consortium with the fear that his mismatch with college would prohibit him from following his desired career path as a CDL Driver.

In working with a Career Counselor, Devin developed a career pathway, beginning at the local community college and enrolling in the CDL program.

Working during the week, Devin took classes through the weekend, earning the GEERS grant to pay his tuition. The Consortium supported his progress by ensuring that his fingerprinting fees and driving records could be attained at no additional barrier or costs.

Before even completing the program, Devon received various job offers. He had this to say about his experience with WMC:

“Last year I was at a very low point in my life. I felt helpless, lost, and confused. I had no aspirations or goals, in the few months I’ve been enrolled with WMC I achieved my dream since a child, getting my CDL class A. I have a world of opportunity now and compared to a year ago where I was struggling to even find my next meal and was about to be homeless, now I have a real chance to go as far as I want in life”.

We wish Devon all the best in his new career!

Sarah came to the Western Maryland Consortium in hopes of rebuilding her life by creating a self-directed, fulfilling life through full-time, meaningful employment. Sarah feared her past struggles with addiction would impede on her motivations to enter the workforce, she was welcomed to the Consortium with open arms.
Upon first meeting with Sarah, WMC staff could see her desire to get back into the workforce. She explained that she was interested in office work and had some experience in that field.

Immediately, our Business Services Representative went to work looking for an opportunity for Sarah. Using WMC’s On-the-Job Training program (OJT) as a financial incentive to hire Sarah, a local Welding business took her on as an Administrative Assistant.

Through the program, 50% of the client’s wages were reimbursed to the business for the training period. During this time, the Consortium also provided supportive services, so no additional barriers prevented Sarah from succeeding in her goals, including professional clothing for work, and public transportation vouchers.
Within a month of her new employment, Sarah was able to purchase her own vehicle and no longer relied on the public bus service.

Jaice joined the Consortium just before the COVID-19 pandemic devasted the world. She was seeking assistance with funding for a Licensed Practical Nursing training program, at a time that nursing was in the most demand.

Before coming to the Consortium, Jaice was underemployed. She liked her job as a Nursing Assistant in a local nursing home but wanted more. She found that finding the start-up money to do so was inhibiting.

After her initial meeting with one of our certified Career Counselors, it was determined that our funding would be able to assist her in her path to become a Licensed Practical Nurse – all while overcoming all the obstacles presented by the Coronavirus pandemic and working full-time.

Sarah’s hard work continues as she not only achieved her goal but is continuing to pursue her education in the form of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Jaice’s story is a reminder that with a little help and a lot of determination you can accomplish your goals and make a difference in the world.

Shadashua Malone was an incredibly young teenager when she had her first child. As a single parent of two, Shadashua was forced to live on public benefits to support her family. After suffering tragic losses in the family, Shadashua resolved that her children deserved better, deserved more. She decided to turn her situation around, her children being her strongest motivators.

Shadashua registered with the Western Maryland Consortium and worked on obtaining her GED while also receiving job search assistance. She started with work experience, utilizing local employers and the Consortium’s core services to build her resume and give herself a competitive edge in the labor market.

The Consortium rewarded her achieving a full-time position by paying for her driver’s education and learner’s permit, overcoming the large and surmountable obstacle that is transportation in the region.

We are happy to report that Shadashua has obtained a full-time, permanent position that provides for herself and her children in all capacities.

Gracee arrived at the Western Maryland Consortium struggling with past decisions. Supported through our program, Gracee was connected with an experienced, empathetic career counselor that assisted her in overcoming barriers such as recovery and lack of a high school diploma.

In addition to working on obtaining her GED, WMC’S Sheryl Sterne worked to provide openings for Gracee along her chosen career path, becoming a Peer Recovery Support Counselor. She obtained available positions at various local recovery shelters in the region, where her supervisors praised Gracee, her work ethic, and provided several opportunities for growth. Her supervisors and colleagues regard her as the “perfect fit.”

Gracee’s future looks brighter than ever, and she has plans to continue her education after achieving her GED and become a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist through core training options that Stephanie will be offering locally.

Ronda came to the Western Maryland Consortium seeking a skills upgrade to increase her income and job opportunities. She was a dislocated worker struggling through inconsistent part time jobs and had been affected by the opioid epidemic relying on public assistance to get by in life. After receiving Career Counseling from one of our certified staff members, Ronda decided to train for her CDL A license to earn a better living.

Ronda’s Career Counselor helped her get enrolled in CDL A training with the Mountaintop Truck Driving Institute through Garrett College in Grantsville, MD. In no time, Ronda earned her Commercial Driver’s License with the class A endorsement.

We are happy to report that Ronda is earning a sustainable, fulfilling wage at a full-time, permanent position and is enjoying traveling the country!