Client came to the agency on 3/8/17 to obtain assistance with her energy bill. She is age 23, and only had child support and SNAP to manage a household for herself and her two children, ages 2 and 10 months. However, though some physical limitation she did have strengths to gain employment. Client had employment history at various stores and restaurants. She updated her status with WIN during the Intake process. The caseworker commended the client for her people skills and encouraged her to utilize the skills in the workplace. Part of her plan was to follow up on applications and interviews, as well as to maintain a current record with WIN. In addition to supportive services, client received $ 104.02 in monetary assistance for her electric bill.

Client continued her job search after the appointment. On March 30, 2017, she completed orientation for her new job. On Monday, April 3, 2017, she received her first check for orientation. She now is employed part time at a wage above minimum which is $ 7.35 per hour, and states, “I love customer service and being able to help people. I also love my environment and my co-workers. I am looking forward to increased hours, learning about my job, and moving up. I am willing to work at additional stores to reach my goal.

Client states that, “Prairie Opportunity was the only source of help besides her family. She further states that, my utilities would be off if not for the agency. I am greatly appreciates for the assistance.”

Client is no longer in crises in employment, however, is at-risk in employment. Client is now working!

 Ms. Allison Roach: Agency Case Worker

Client is 29 years of age seeking assistance with CNA (Education). Client has two dependents that are at home. Client does work part time and wages varies. Client does have an open child support case but is not receiving any funding at this time. Client is receiving, SNAP benefits in the amount of $ 148.00, alone with wages at her part time job that varies bi weekly.

Client came into agency on 10/18/16 for assistance. Client stated that class started on 10/25/16. Case worker gave client Education Agreement so that she could get it sign and notarized. I advised her that she will be a walk in on 10/25/16, to which she was ok with that. She came in at 8:30 the following morning with all documents and waited patiently until she was called upon for intake. I talked with School Representative (Mrs. A) and informed her that client wad coming to agency for assistance and asked if she can attend class before funding is issued to school. Mrs. A told me that client could start. I contacted main office ad had Mrs. N to review client intake. Mrs. N approved client request and I contacted client and Mrs. A with good news.

Fast forward: Client received her Certified Nursing Assistant certificate on January 29, 2017 from East Central Community College. She states that Prairie Opportunity has played a big part in getting back on her feet and gaining success.

Ms. Ashley Shines: Agency Case Worker

Client is a 58 year old married woman living with her husband. She came to the agency in February 2017. She was unemployed and had no income at the time of her intake. She received food stamps. She came to the agency seeking assistance with utilities. As her case worker, I discussed her education and employment status. We established a Case Plan that focused on her gaining employment. The client was issued job search forms to complete biweekly. She came to the agency on the date that her first issued forms were due and informed me that she had found part time employment and began working on March 1, 2017. She stated her new employer is training her for the position, and that her rate of pay is $ 9.00 per hour. She stated that this is the first time she has been employed since 2002, and that she would like to remain with her new employer for a long time.

In May 2016, Ms Cole, a 45 year old non-disabled female, came into Prairie Opportunity seeking utility assistance. She was unemployed, with two children ages, 15 and 10. Her last employment date was January, 2016. Her only income source was child support. Ms. Cole was provided with job resources and job opening from the MDES website. She stated she had applied with several employers, but nothing was available. I then informed her of our Educational services. She decided to complete the Education agreement and the documents from East Central Career Advancement Center, which she was accepted into the program.

Since her visit, she has gained full-time employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Ms. Cole received her certification on December 5, 2016 from East Central Community College. She’s stated, “It would have been impossible without Prairie Opportunity paying for the class. I’m grateful for your help.”

Client came into the office on 10/26 for assistance with education. She is 29 years of age with three dependents living in the home. When she came into Prairie Opportunity she was not employed. We gave her a list of what to bring with her to her next appointment. Further, she informed us that classes started the same day as her appointment. And client went to class as scheduled.

Fast forward >>  Client has a job at her community Wendy’s Restaurant; in addition she has received her degree from East Central Community College, as a Certified Nursing Assistant.