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August 2024

Emily
In Success Stories

Valerie Success Story

Valerie came to JARC shortly after being released from prison. At the time that she enrolled in JARC, she was recovering from substance abuse and had no stable housing. As a mother of three, she knew that she had to make a change. Valerie faced numerous barriers to employment, including previous justice involvement, housing insecurity, single parenthood, and substance abuse. Many of our clients face these challenges and more.

Once Valerie started JARC’s program, she gained essential life skills, honed budgeting abilities, and acquired valuable computer skills. Furthermore, she obtained numerous metalworking certifications. These achievements have not only bolstered Valerie’s confidence but have also provided her with a solid foundation to excel in her Welding Career.

”"JARC worked with me all the way through the financial coaching, the soft skills classes on Fridays, and the hands-on training with welding

Tonce

Now things are different. JARC disrupts the cycle of intergenerational poverty by providing parents with the opportunity to learn new skills and earn a livable wage that leads to financial self-sufficiency. Valerie is now working as a welder and has been at Freedman Seating Company for over 10 years! Now, she is a grandmother and has over 10 years of sobriety. She is making enough money to not only support herself but also her family. 

”JARC was definitely my springboard that catapulted me to where I am now.

Emily
In Success Stories

Tonce’ Success Story

Before discovering JARC, Tonce’ faced significant challenges. Her past created barriers that made finding stable, traditional employment difficult. She knew that she needed to find a new direction, one that would accommodate her background and provide her with a fresh start. This realization led her to explore the trades, a field where she believed she could build a promising future.

Tonce’s turning point came when, back in 2015, she attended an orientation at JARC. “Patricia made me feel so authentic and genuine in wanting to help someone with a background like mine. She said, ‘No matter where you come from or what you’ve done in the past, come to us, and we will make sure that we take care of you.'” Inspired by this message, Tonce embarked on her journey with JARC.

”"JARC worked with me all the way through the financial coaching, the soft skills classes on Fridays, and the hands-on training with welding

Tonce

”JARC was definitely my springboard that catapulted me to where I am now.

Enrolling in JARC’s welding program, Tonce’ committed herself to reinventing her life. JARC’s comprehensive support was instrumental in her transformation. “I needed help with those soft skills, you know, because I was a little rough around the edges. JARC worked with me all the way through the financial coaching, the soft skills classes on Fridays, and the hands-on training with welding.” This holistic approach not only taught her a valuable trade but also prepared her to navigate and sustain a professional career. While in the program, Tonce’ received 37 financial coaching sessions, 6 employment coaching sessions, and 23 income support counseling sessions. She also attended nine workshops about financial literacy and job readiness.

Enrolling in JARC’s welding program, Tonce’ committed herself to reinventing her life.

After completing the program, Tonce’ secured a job at Freedman Seating as a robotic welder. She was quickly promoted to shift lead and received an Individual Achievement Award from the Workplace Innovation and Opportunity Act Program. Despite her success in the welding industry, Tonce’ realized that her true calling lay elsewhere. She was able to leverage the soft skills and financial stability she had gained to smoothly transition into a new career in retail at Dollar Tree and later into housekeeping at Indiana Wesleyan University. Reflecting on her journey, Tonce’ emphasized the profound impact of JARC. “JARC was definitely my springboard that catapulted me to where I am now.” With the foundation she built at JARC, Tonce’ continued to grow, eventually starting her own business, Restored and Delivered Cleaning Company LLC. She attributes her resilience and adaptability to the skills and confidence she gained through JARC’s program. Tonce’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the transformative potential of supportive educational programs,

like JARC’s Careers in Manufacturing Programs. “If you’re ready to do the work and utilize your resources, JARC is the place to be.” Her journey from overcoming a difficult past to becoming a successful entrepreneur and valued employee demonstrates the life-changing impact that a dedicated support system can provide. Today, Tonce’ is thriving, both professionally and personally. She is now 54, and she is working on her savings to ensure a comfortable retirement.  She cherishes the time she spends with her grandchildren. Her story is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone facing similar struggles, proving that with the right support and determination, it is possible to turn one’s life around completely. “No one can do the hard work for anyone. This is something that you have to do yourself, but JARC gives you the chance to make it happen.”

Emily
In What´s New

Supporting Moms & Families in Manufacturing

Supporting Moms & Families in Manufacturing

In an era where the manufacturing sector struggles to find skilled candidates for open positions, women remain a largely untapped resource. Numerous obstacles, such as lack of affordable childcare, insufficient skills, and negative perceptions of manufacturing, continue to keep women, especially mothers, away from the shop floor. One significant barrier, in particular, is the lack of access to childcare, which has long hindered employment opportunities for moms seeking a career in manufacturing.

Tonce’s turning point came when, back in 2015, she attended an orientation at JARC. “Patricia made me feel so authentic and genuine in wanting to help someone with a background like mine. She said, ‘No matter where you come from or what you’ve done in the past, come to us, and we will make sure that we take care of you.'” Inspired by this message, Tonce embarked on her journey with JARC.

To address this issue, JARC employs a “two-generation” approach to its programs, catering to the needs of both parents and their children. For many vulnerable moms, the lack of access to childcare prevents them from enrolling in job training programs like those offered at JARC, thus hindering their career prospects. This issue not only affects the mothers but also impacts their children, who are more likely to remain in poverty and fail to meet key developmental milestones if their mothers cannot make ends meet. By partnering with childcare and education providers, JARC helps remove the persistent childcare barrier, opening doors for unemployed mothers and their children to achieve self-sufficiency.

At JARC, we are committed to helping mothers and their families succeed.

Take Erika, for example, a mother of three who worked part-time while attending JARC’s CNC Fast Track Program. She is now employed full-time as a Machine Operator at a large manufacturer in the western suburbs. Similarly, Yvette, a mother of one, was stuck in a low-skilled manufacturing job and turned to JARC to enhance her skills. She now works full-time, earning nearly $17 an hour, and cherishes her afternoons and evenings with her daughter.

We extend a very happy Mother’s Day to the many mothers who have come through our doors! Your dedication and hard work inspire us, and we are proud to support you on your journey to success.