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DWD Success Stories!

DWD has a host of educational and training programs, job search assistance, and grants available for Hoosiers who want to enhance their skills and improve their job prospects. These success stories spotlight those who have taken advantage of what DWD has to offer.


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Success Spotlight:
Hannah Garland

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Success Spotlight:
Claudia Cilien Pierre

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Success Spotlight:
Yoko Kai

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Success Spotlight:
Mary Mapp-Moody

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Success Spotlight: Nadia McNish
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Success Spotlight: Richard Anderson
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Success Spotlight: Ramiza Rizvic
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Success Spotlight:
Martell Stott

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Success Spotlight:
Yewande Oyediran

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Success Spotlight:
Joyce Jines

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Success Spotlight:
180 Skills, KYB Americas Corporation

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Amber Masterson | Warsaw, IN (Kosciusko County)

In April 2018, Amber was dislocated from United Technologies in Huntington, Indiana where she worked as a Manufacturing Assistant, making $13.20/hour. After her layoff, Amber was determined to advance into a field that was growing and would provide her higher wages in a more sustainable career. Amber co-enrolled into the TAA and WIOA Dislocated Worker programs and applied for training and TRA income support to work toward an Associate’s degree in Advanced Respiratory Therapy.

Amber encountered several barriers and hurdles throughout her training, but with her resolve, she persevered. Not only did Amber complete her Associate’s degree in Respiratory Therapy, but Amber graduated with a 3.8 GPA, earning Magna Cum Laude. She also graduated in the top 25th percentile of her class, earned the distinction of being on the National Board of Respiratory Care Honor Society (Lambda Beta), and has been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. After graduation, Amber gained employment working as a Respiratory Therapist earning an average of $27.75/hour, more than double her separation wage.

Amber stated that she “couldn't have done this without TAA.” Amber always wanted to go back to school but having a growing family to support was more important. The fact that the company closed turned into a blessing.


Beth Reed | Terre Haute, IN (Vigo County)

Beth worked for Sony DADC for over 17 years at the time of layoff. Having been with her employer for so long and earning a competitive wage, Beth knew it was likely she would need to upgrade her skills to find suitable employment. With her TAA case manager’s assistance, Beth decided to pursue training in radiography.

She attended Ivy Tech and earned her Associate of Science in Medical Imaging with an AART certification. Shortly after she completed training, she became reemployed with Union Health as an X-ray Technician, earning less than her position at Sony DADC, so she utilized RTAA benefits for 6 months until her wages exceeded her separation wages. Beth notes that her TAA case managers were her “personal cheerleaders.” She also added, “I can’t say enough about the program. I was very appreciative of it being available to me.”

Beth’s desire to return to school to earn a credential in a new occupation served as an inspiration to her daughter, who, one year after Beth began training, enrolled in the same program as her mother. “TAA also helped guide my daughter to a career in radiology. Five years ago, I would have never thought we would work together.”


Image Success Story Funding Stream

Amber Wilson
Laid-off Janitor becomes CMA

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WIOA/TAA

Teasia Evans
Memory of Grandmother Drives Success

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WIOA/AE

Robin McAuley
Displaced Worker Finds Job at DWD

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WIOA/TAA

Logan Keith
Welder Overcomes Adversity for Family

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WIOA/AE

Terri Garcia
HSE Recipient Inspires Two Daughters

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WIOA/AE

Doug Richardson
Longtime Machine Operator Transitions to Purchasing

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WIOA/TAA

Gina Cambronne
Education Opening Doors for Haitian

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WIOA/AE

Jesse Roberts
Former Janitor Inspired by Challenges

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WIOA/TAA

Mukhtar Abakar
English Key to Sudan Native's Success

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WIOA/AE

Kimberly Hunsinger
Laid Off Now in Workforce Solutions

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WIOA/TAA

Braeden Carter
HSE was key to unlocking more job opportunities

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WIOA/AE

Grant Adams
Assembly Plant Worker Now Business Owner

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WIOA/TAA

Lavonte Cox
Expelled student pursues HSE to join Air Force

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WIOA/AE

William Hofer
Returned to School Now Successful Contractor

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WIOA/TAA

Angel Goodlet
Family death causes re-evaluation on career

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WIOA/AE

Aaron Warren
Welding Certifications Lead to Widespread Employability

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WIOA/TAA

Majenta Hofmeister
Children's schooling inspires mother to earn HSE

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WIOA/AE

Greg Owens
Former Production Manager Now in Healthcare

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WIOA/TAA

Marie Florestal
English Skills Key Job Security

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WIOA/AE

Jamie Sparks
Factory Worker Becomes Career Coach

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WIOA/TAA

Rachel Dejarnatt
Inspired to Advance Eighth Grade Education

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WIOA/AE

Todd Peak
Electrical Technician Goes Into Ministry

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WIOA/TAA

Alice Kerrigan
Driven to Take Care of Family

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WIOA/AE

Kara Frye
Production Supervisor Helping Others Find Work

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WIOA/TAA

Emily Stiles
Setting an Example Through Education

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WIOA/AE

Jean-Louis Phillippon
TAA Helps  with Education, Relocation

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WIOA/TAA

Jhenna Adams
Determined to Overcome Tough Times

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WIOA/AE

Rebecca McIntosh
Material Handler Becomes Transitional Care Specialist

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WIOA/TAA

Christy and Billy Greene
Couple Works Together to Pursue New Careers

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WIOA/AE

Anthony Hershberger
Piston Inspector Now in Medical Field

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WIOA/TAA

Larry Taylor
Moving on From Self-Employment

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WIOA/AE

David Miller
Displaced Accounting Clerk Earns Masters Degree

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WIOA/TAA

Hannah Silverthorn
Fast Food to Military Police Work

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WIOA/AE

Greg Krug
Networking Certifications Lead to IT Employment

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WIOA/TAA

Jayana Wolak
Single Mother Seeking Better Options

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WIOA/AE

Judith Waller
Thirty Years in Manufacturing Now Career Advisor

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WIOA/TAA

Mayra Lopez
Learning English a New Chapter

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WIOA

Barbara Woolever
Healthcare Worker Sees $2/Hour Increase

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WIOATAA

Nathan Shook
Movie Inspires Educational Pursuits

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WIOA/AE

Kevin Young
Content Evaluator Discovers Massage Therapy Career

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WIOA/TAA

Michaela Houseman
Unapproved Diploma Only Temporary Setback

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WIOA/AA

Dawn Gatliff
TAA Program Helps Laborer Become Nurse

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WIOA/TAA

Alex Roy
From High School Expulsion to Ministry

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WIOA/AE

Khadijah Shabazz
HSE Enhances Parenting Skills

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WIOA/AE

Ronald Clark
Helping Himself to Help Others

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WIOA/AE

Emma Shrout
Single Mom Becomes Machinist

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WIOA/AE

Lawrence Dean
Formerly Homeless Now Landscaping

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WIOA/AE

Ashley Howell
Making Time for Dental Training

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WIOA/AE

Dion Brown
A Taste for Food Prep

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WIOA/AE

Paul Powell
Former Addict Now Driving Trucks

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WIOA/AE

Margaret Mills
Once Bullied Now in Healthcare

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WIOA/AE

Bennett Young
Musician's Dream Fulfilled

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WIOA/AE

Teresa Huett
Hoping to Become a Lawyer

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WIOA/AE

Tabatha Stence
Never Too Late for Education

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WIOA/AE

Glendoris Anderson
HSE Leads to Service Industry Excellence

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WIOA/AE

Zachary Dietrich
Overcoming Accident to Achieve Goals

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WIOA/AE

Oscar Griffin
Blind But Determined

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WIOA/AE

Li Hall
Inspiring Move from China to U.S.

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WIOA/AE

Jason Miller
Amish Man Overcoming Obstacles

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WIOA/AE

Equal Opportunity is the Law. (La Igualdad De Oportunidad Es La Ley.)
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.