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Olive Dwan
In Chicago, Success Stories

Kendall – Success Story 

Kendall

When Kendall lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, his future felt uncertain. He was on probation, working through a temp agency, and trying to figure out his next move. That’s when his probation officer introduced him to JARC. “When COVID hit, they laid me off from my job. So, I’m like, okay, I might as well go to school.” Kendall enrolled in JARC’s Welding Program in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Welding had always been something he was curious about. “It was something that I always wanted to try to pick up anyway,” he said. With no work and the chance to pursue a new path, Kendall gave it a shot.

”“JARC is the place to help you move your life forward.”

KendallJARC Chicago, Welding Graduate

Training wasn’t easy. Kendall faced real challenges learning the hands-on techniques that welding requires. “You have to weld something, then pour water and make sure you have no holes…I had to do that a few times before I got it,” he said. But with support from the JARC team, including staff like Liz, who stayed in touch and checked in regularly, Kendall was able to persevere thanks to the direct financial assistance JARC provided to help cover his bills while he was in training. During his time in the program, Kendall received 8 employment coaching sessions, 3 financial coaching sessions, and 6 income support services. He also attended 40 workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, digital literacy, budgeting, saving, networking, online professionalism, work ethic, and resume writing. “They even helped me with my bills that I had at the time because I wasn’t working. Liz helped me a lot,” he explained.

As a result of this support, Kendall made significant strides in his financial health. His career is steady, his family has grown, and he has a strong sense of purpose.

As a result of this support, Kendall made significant strides in his financial health. When he first came to JARC in 2020, his credit score was 685. Just six months later, it had increased by 41 points, reaching 726. By October 31, 2022, his score had risen to 760, and most recently, as of March 29, 2024, it climbed to 768, reflecting a total improvement of 83 points since beginning his career with JARC.

After earning his certification in 2021, Kendall began his career as a forklift operator earning $17.35 per hour. His journey then took him from Illinois to Texas, where he earned his commercial driver’s license (CDL) and transitioned into truck driving, making $26 per hour. Today, Kendall calls Ohio home and has been with the same company for nearly three years. His career is steady, his family has grown, and he has a strong sense of purpose. “I work for Welch Packaging, currently making $28/hr. I’ve been working with them as a driver. Next month makes three years,” he shared proudly.

When asked what advice he’d give others thinking about JARC, Kendall doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the perfect opportunity for you, and I’m gonna tell them just how much JARC helped me. I would suggest anybody to it, for real.” If he had to sum up what JARC means to him in one sentence? “Opportunity. If you want to move your life forward, JARC is the place to help you move your life forward.”

Olive Dwan
In Rhode Island, Success Stories

Michael – Success Story

Michael

Before Michael found his way to Jane Addams Resource Corporation Rhode Island (JARC RI), his work life was unpredictable. “From job to job, you know, never really having anything that I was like, set in any kind of career,” he recalls. For years, Michael bounced from one role to another, unsure of what path to pursue. Then one day, his wife came across JARC RI online. “Honestly, my wife seen it online,” Michael said. “That’s how I checked it out.” That chance discovery set in motion a transformation neither of them expected.

”“Once we started working on the machines...it wasn’t overwhelming. It made me feel more comfortable.”

MichaelJARC Rhode Island, CNC Graduate

”“I didn’t think I’d be able to do it at first, and then by the end of it, I was like, Oh wow. That wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

When Michael enrolled in JARC RI’s training program, it was a leap into the unknown. “The program was nice, I mean, I enjoyed it. At first, it was a little overwhelming,” he admits. But with persistence and support, he found his footing. “I stuck it out, and everybody was pretty nice there and helpful.” Like many adult learners returning to the classroom, Michael faced academic hurdles, particularly with trigonometry. “Trigonometry was kind of a pain,” he said. “I haven’t done it in so long, but once you practice it, it kind of comes back to you.” Thankfully, his instructor John guided him through, providing practice tests and encouragement along the way.

For Michael, JARC RI was more than just a training program; it was a turning point.

Michael also accessed support services during his training, like weekly gas cards to help cover transportation costs. While some funding support changed toward the end of his training, he remained focused on the bigger picture: earning industry-recognized certifications and securing a job. “Once we started working on the machines…it wasn’t overwhelming. It made me feel more comfortable.” Hands-on learning and personalized instruction helped Michael build confidence and real-world skills that set him up for success. While at JARC RI, Michael received three employment coaching sessions and 21 sessions focused on financial, work, and education coaching.

Today, Michael is employed as a Machinist at Senko Advanced Components in Bristol, Rhode Island. “I’m working on a machine, a [computer numerical control] CNC mill machine right now, and it’s pretty easy,” he shared with pride. “Actually, my 90th day was yesterday.” With steady work and a $19.19 hourly wage, soon increasing to $22.50 with a shift differential, Michael is building the stability he once only hoped for. “I just really want to make a decent living and save for retirement,” he said. “Obviously I’d like to move up in the future…I’m being very patient.”

For Michael, JARC RI was more than just a training program; it was a turning point. “JARC led me to a career that I probably wouldn’t have been in if I didn’t attend them.” When asked what he’d say to someone considering the program, his advice is heartfelt: “Give it a chance and not let the work in the beginning discourage you or overwhelm you. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it at first, and then by the end of it, I was like, Oh wow. That wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

Andrea Tovar
In Baltimore, Success Stories

Felipe – Success Story 

When Felipe first arrived in the United States, he worked in restaurants, starting as a dishwasher and gradually moving up to become a general manager. “When I got here, I started as a washer, and I moved up, moved up until I became a general manager,” he recalls. While he valued the skills and English he gained in the restaurant industry, Felipe realized he had reached a plateau. “Being a general manager, I felt stuck. I knew, there would come a point where I’d feel stuck. And that’s what happened. I was like, I’m a general manager, I don’t want to take the next step, but I also don’t see myself as a regional manager at 30 years old.” 

”“The part I liked most was job development, practicing interviews. That, plus soft skills sessions, was excellent. I’d never done job interviews before. This prepared me well.”

FelipeCNC Graduate, JARC Baltimore

Looking for a change, Felipe explored opportunities that aligned with his background in mechanical engineering, which he studied for three years in Venezuela. He discovered JARC Baltimore’s CNC training program and immediately saw a path to a career that truly interested him. “When I saw this CNC program, I had the opportunity before to have a lab class back in Venezuela. It was called metallurgy, working with lathes, presses, and all that; but all manually, nothing automated.” Felipe was drawn to the computerized nature of the program and the chance to develop technical skills that would translate into a stable, fulfilling career. 

During the program, Felipe encountered challenges but overcame them with determination and support from JARC.

Learning to operate the CNC machines and programming codes was difficult at first, but he found effective ways to master the curriculum. “What I did was record a video of the instructor explaining each step, then at home I made notes. Step one was this, step two was that. The next day, I followed all steps and told the instructor I was ready to operate the machine. That helped a lot. That was the hardest part.” He also received crucial support from JARC, including gas cards and financial assistance to repair his vehicle, allowing him to focus on completing the program. While in the program, Felipe received two financial coaching sessions, one employment session, and one income support counselling session. He also attended three financial workshops, where he learned practical skills like budgeting and money management. 

Felipe’s experience at JARC went beyond technical skills. Job development sessions, mock interviews, and soft skills training prepared him for the professional world. “The part I liked most was job development, practicing interviews. That, plus soft skills sessions, was excellent. I’d never done job interviews before. This prepared me well.” These experiences, combined with the guidance of instructors and staff, positioned him for success in manufacturing. 

Today, Felipe is thriving in his new career as a CNC Machine Operator at Pace Worldwide. The stability and satisfaction of this role have transformed his life and opened doors for future growth. “If they want a career change and are interested in manufacturing, this is the place. The support team is great, and the program gives you freedom to succeed. It opens doors to new careers.” Reflecting on his journey, Felipe calls his experience at JARC Baltimore a true stepping stone: “It [JARC] opens doors and prepares you for success in a new career. The first door in manufacturing; after that, many doors open.” Thanks to JARC Baltimore, Felipe has transitioned from uncertainty to a career he enjoys, a testament to the power of dedicated training, supportive staff, and a clear path to opportunity.