Program Details

Daniel Smith is from East St Louis, IL, and came to the WIOA program in January 2021. He had been released from Prison a few months before coming in for WIOA services. He was struggling financially, mentally, and physically. For weeks he had been homeless, living in cars, abandoned buildings, and outside with no one to help him. He had two daughters he could not see or support due to everything he was going through at the time. He was left with no motivation and no hope for change. Miraculously, he saw information about the WIOA Program and how it could help pay for his return to school and training costs. He had his mind set on going through the 160 CDL Driving Program. He attended WIOA orientation and was willing to do whatever it took to start his training. Daniel pushed himself to the limit and was able to graduate from 160 and earn his CDL in March of 2021.

For Daniel, the WIOA program means a lot. He described the personnel as terrific, respectful, caring, and understanding. He is grateful and always expresses his appreciation to his Career Specialist. Without the WIOA program, he may have gone back down another dark road, but thankfully he was able to break a cycle of bad habits and create a better life for himself and his children.

He has worked successfully for other trucking companies for the past year and a half and has saved enough money to support and spoil his daughters. He is currently working on becoming an Owner Operator of his own Trucking company in the coming months. He is looking forward to all the new opportunities he will have with his new business.

Daniel tells everyone he knows about the WIOA program and how they can benefit from it. He is always willing to tell his story and offer advice about how simple the process is and how it is worth the choice to make the change.