East Central Iowa
Workforce Development
Board

Client Success Stories

Kim’s Story
WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, & Youth Program Participant

From Challenge to Career

Kim was referred to the Title I Dislocated Worker program after the small cleaning business she worked for closed its doors, ending her six years of employment.

Kim had not received her high school diploma nor any formal training at the time of her enrollment in the Title I Dislocated Worker program and is a single mom.

Kim worked with her assigned career planner to create an individualized career plan that would get her back to work and on a great path to earning a livable wage as soon as possible.

The Title I program was able to assist with the cost of tuition towards the Certified Nurse Aide program, which Kim successfully completed. She went on to participate in an On-the-job- training activity hosted by Harmony of Cedar Rapids, which then led to full-time employment.

Title I also provided assistance with transportation and a clothing allowance to obtain shoes and scrubs for her employment.

In Q2 of this current program year, Kim completed her final post-exit review with her career planner. At that time, she was excited to report that not only was she still employed with Harmony more than a year later, but she also had been provided with additional trainings and certifications through her employer which has led to additional increases in wage.

Cesar’s Story
WIOA Title II Adult Education & Literacy Participant

Hard Work, Hope, and a Bright Future

Cesar is an inspiration. He stopped going to school in Mexico to start working, and he didn't continue his education in the United States until starting adult English Language & Literacy classes. He spent less time in school than other people, but he is a great student. One of Cesar's goals is to improve his English skills and get a job where the physical work is easier to do. This goal is more than possible for Cesar, because he is hardworking in all parts of life. For example, Cesar and his wife welcomed a new baby during the last session of classes. The only day Cesar was absent from class was the day his wife gave birth. He was back in class the next day, working hard (as always) to complete his goal and prepare for his family's bright future

Ju’s Story
WIOA Title III Participant

The Power of Partnership and Persistence

After being laid off during Whirlpool’s most recent round of mass layoffs, Ju Mohammad Khaksar found himself facing uncertainty, but he didn’t face it alone. Ju showed remarkable commitment from day one, consistently coming into the IowaWORKS center and working closely with Career Planner Kelly Weyant to rebuild his momentum and explore new opportunities.

Through ongoing career planning, job search support, and dedicated participation in center activities, Ju steadily expanded his network and regained confidence in his next steps. His breakthrough moment came during one of the center’s weekly Grab-A-Job events, held every Monday. While attending, Ju connected with several employers and left the event with multiple strong job leads.

He followed through immediately applying, interviewing, and showcasing the skills and work ethic he had honed throughout his career. His efforts paid off in a big way: Ju received not one, but two job offers.

Ultimately, he accepted an excellent opportunity with Stryten Energy, earning more than $27 per hour, a significant step forward and a testament to his resilience, drive, and willingness to engage fully in the job-seeking process.

Ju’s journey demonstrates the power of persistence, partnership, and the resources available at IowaWORKS. His success is well-earned, and we’re proud to celebrate this next chapter in his career.

Tom’s Story
WIOA Title IV Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services Participant

Resilience | Accountability | Renewal

“Tom” was known as a dependable, hardworking individual at a local production plant - someone his coworkers respected and his supervisors trusted. But when he developed a medical condition, everything began to unravel. He found himself in a situation that escalated into an altercation. That moment changed everything. It led to prison and with it, the loss of his career, his stability and sense of self.

While incarcerated Tom finally received the medical care he needed. With the right treatment and support, he began to understand his condition and learn how to manage it.

When Tom was released, he was determined to rebuild his life, but his criminal record and his mental health diagnosis created barriers.

Tom took a job as a server at a local restaurant, not because it was his dream but because it was a step forward to rebuilding his life. He desired to return to the work he once knew, the place where he had once succeeded.

Tom reached out to Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation and IowaWORKS, asking for assistance in rebuilding his career path. We helped him prepare, encouraged him to advocate for himself and supported him as he worked toward his goals. He worked with a Rehabilitation Counselor, OWDS and a Career Planner. We provided comprehensive career support, including guidance, resume development and refinement, interview coaching, constructive feedback and consistent encouragement to build confidence and job readiness.

Then Tom did something that took real courage, he wrote a letter to his former employer. In it, he owned his past, explained his growth and asked for a second chance.

Not long after, Tom met with his former supervisor. It wasn't easy. He spoke honestly about his struggles, the treatment he continues to receive and the work he has done to change. Z.K. didn't make excuses, he simply asked to be seen for who he was now. His supervisor listened and spoke with HR and advocated on his behalf. The support made all the difference.

Tom was then offered a position. What once felt impossible became reality.

Tom recently started back at the production plant, not just as an employee, but as a testament to resilience, accountability, and determination. Z.K. continues to manage his health, show up for himself and prove that past mistakes do not define a person's future.

Tom’s story is not just about getting his job back but about him reclaiming his life.

Note - Name has been changed to maintain anonymity.