Eliminating Barriers & Leveling Up: By Jewel Chappell

     The Workforce Development team in Lake County, adopted the theme “LEVEL UP” for the 2017-2018 program year of the Comprehensive Case Management & Employment Program (CCMEP). LEVEL UP is a term that we use to describe any positive step that our clients take toward reaching self-sufficiency. Each participant that enters our program has barriers or challenges preventing them from gaining sustainable employment. These barriers may include a lack of transportation, housing, mental health challenges, or lack of childcare, employment history, or an educational credential, such as a high school diploma or GED.
     The Employment Case Manager works with each participant to identify their unique barrier(s) and assists them in eliminating them. Program staff work with participants to develop their job readiness skills, life skills, social skills, self-awareness, workplace etiquette, and literary/math skills. In addition, participants receive assistance with resume building, interview skills, and career development. The Job Developer solicits Lake County businesses that allow participants to work in their establishments for a specific amount of time to gain experience and on the job training.
     The Job Developer works to match the participant in the career field of their choice, and the participant’s wages are paid through CCMEP funding. The desired outcome of this program is for employers to be so satisfied with the performance of the participant, that they decide to hire them full time at a sustainable wage. The CCMEP staff have seen considerable success with the paid work experience program, and these participants are wonderful examples of what it means to LEVEL UP!
     One participant, in particular, is currently attending Lakeland Community College, majoring in Business. They entered the program with a goal of obtaining employment in an administrative assistant-type position. This participant was matched and placed with American Family Insurance in Mentor, OH and successfully completed 12 weeks of paid work experience. On January 15, 2018, she started her first day of full-time employment as an Administrative Assistant. The owner, Angela Caswell, recognized this participant’s potential to be a successful insurance sales agent. With the assistance of the Goodwill program staff, this participant has enrolled at Hondros School of Business to support her goal of obtaining her property & casualty, and life licensures. She is a prime example of what it truly means to level up!
     When we level up, we are making continuous steps toward our goals, eliminating barriers, and achieving great accomplishments on the way up. No matter what point we are at in our lives, we can apply this concept because there is always room for growth. I challenge you to be intentional about identifying the barriers in your own life, and working diligently to remove them. In doing so, you will create endless opportunities for yourself and the people you hold dear. Here’s to LEVELING UP!