Mehki finds full-time employment through WIOA-funded assistance to support his family.
Creation Date: 06/03/2026
Program Details
Career Specialist Darien Daniel reports on his customer. “Mehki needed career guidance, resume development, and employment assistance when he visited Man-Tra-Con in September 2025,” Darien says.
“Mehki faced multiple, intersecting barriers that made seeking and maintaining assistance particularly challenging. As a young single parent, he was solely responsible for child care, which limited his availability to attend in-person appointments, complete lengthy applications, or respond promptly to requests for documentation,” Darien explained.
“Although Mehki had been receiving SNAP benefits, living in a high-poverty area compounded his difficulties. Access to reliable transportation, stable Internet, and nearby social service offices was limited, creating logistical obstacles to engaging with support systems,” Darien adds.
“Despite dealing with significant barriers, including single-parenting responsibilities and limited resources, Mehki consistently demonstrated strong effort. He actively participated in scheduled meetings, completed required documentation, and was determined to improve his employment situation,” Darien says.
“Through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, Mehki enrolled in a Work Experience Program (WEP) at Shaeffer Manufacturing Co. in Du Quoin, Illinois, to help him gain skills while earning wages to support his family. During his training period, Mehki made measurable progress in developing job readiness skills, following through with program requirements, reflecting resilience and a commitment to achieving greater stability for himself and his family,” Darien reports. After completing the Work Experience, Mehki was hired by Schaeffer Manufacturing and enrolled in On-the-Job Training through GRF funding.
Mehki appreciates the assistance he received from Man-Tra-Con. “I’m really grateful for the support I’ve received through this program. As a young single parent, it’s been hard to balance caring for my child with building a stable future. Darien, my Career Specialist, took the time to listen to my situation without judgment and helped me understand. Thanks to the support I received, I’ve been able to improve my job-readiness, stay organized with my goals, and feel more confident about finding stable employment. This program has not only helped me meet my immediate needs, but has also given me hope.”
“In April 2026, Shaeffer Manufacturing Co. hired Mehki for a full-time Blending Technician position, where he is currently earning $17.00 per hour,” Darien says.