East Central Iowa
Workforce Development
Board

Client Success Stories

Nedal’s Story
WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, & Youth Program Participant

Nedal’s journey through the WIOA Title I Adult program is a powerful testament of determination. Enrolling in June 2022 after a referral from Title III, she faced significant challenges, including unemployment, limited industry skills, and low income. Nevertheless, Nedal was committed to improving her career prospects and building a sustainable future. With the guidance of her Title I career planner, she underwent assessments that led to her enrollment in the Respiratory Therapist Associate of Applied Science degree program at Kirkwood Community College. This path aligned with her aspirations of working in healthcare. The WIOA Title I program covered essential costs like tuition, books, transportation, uniforms, and testing fees, allowing Nedal to focus on her studies by removing financial barriers. Over the two years of training, she diligently developed both technical and soft skills, excelling in her classes and clinicals. By the time she completed her program in May 2024, she had gained the confidence and competence necessary to succeed in a competitive job market, culminating in her passing the National Board of Respiratory Care exams to become a Certified Respiratory Therapist. Shortly after obtaining her certification, Nedal, with support from her Title I career planner, applied for positions and secured full-time employment as a Respiratory Therapist at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in July, earning $25 per hour along with benefits such as healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. This opportunity not only offers her financial stability but also aligns with her long-term career goals. The Title I program further supported her by providing essential clothing items to ensure she was fully prepared for her new role. Nedal is excited to continue her career journey and expand her expertise as a Respiratory Therapist. Nedal’s journey serves as an inspiration to others pursuing their dreams through education and training.

Rukhsar’s Story
WIOA Title II Adult Education & Literacy Participant

Rukhsar started taking ESL class in the fall of 2022. While she had a beginning-level speaking ability, her reading and writing were at a beginning literacy level. Rukhsar poured herself into learning and practicing English both in class and at home. In February of 2024, she got a job at Head Start where she had to write about each of the children every day and read to ensure accuracy - a huge milestone, considering where she started. Rukhsar left ESL class in the fall of 2024 because she no longer needs our services! She currently works as a paraeducator in a local elementary school and for the University of Iowa Public Health Problem Management Plus (PM+), helping immigrants learn how to solve their own problems. She has also opened her own bakery, Yar Bakery, bringing traditional Afghan sweets and cookies to Iowa City. 

Tim’s Story
WIOA Title III Participant

Tim met with Steven for a 1:1 OWDS appointment in October of 2024. During the meeting, Steven reviewed the Federal Bonding, WOTC, and IITB programs. He also reviewed Tim’s resume, advising him to remove expired certifications and add his most recent job at Can Shed. They discussed the interview process and strategies for addressing justice involvement. Tim reported employment in November of 24 and started working as an Assembler at Timberline Manufacturing. In January 2025, Tim contacted Steven to express his gratitude for the services he received at IowaWORKS. He shared how happy he was with his new job and the positive direction his life was taking.

Abbie’s Story
WIOA Title IV Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services Participant

Abbie Liechty was in her first year at the University of Iowa when it became clear that “something was wrong, because I wasn’t able to get through things as fast as other kids were able to get through things.” Technically, this had been a problem since middle school, but no one thought much of it because it never affected her grades. Liechty had learned early not to waste time on assigned readings in high school. Instead, she focused on study guides and memorizing what teachers said in class. And it worked. Until it didn’t. Eventually, testing diagnosed Liechty with a reading disability, ADHD, and some accompanying anxiety issues. It was unclear what this meant for the future. Could college continue? How could she make it work? Then, Liechty heard about Vocational Rehabilitation Services – and the people Abbie now credits with showing her the pathway to a rewarding career. “I think having an advocate really helped me, especially when I was trying to figure out what I really wanted to do,” she said. “I don’t know that I would have gone to law school if I hadn’t talked to Voc Rehab. They made it all seem possible.” Abbie now works with her father in a Mount Pleasant law firm, handling misdemeanor court-appointed criminal cases and whatever else comes through the door. The assistance from Vocational Rehabilitation “kind of evened me out with everybody else,” Liechty said. “I was put on an equal playing field so I could have an equal chance.”