A New Life Changing Path
Creation Date: 08/07/2025
Annette Holman, a Career Planner with St. Clair County Intergovernmental Grants Department, said I had the pleasure to assist Ms. Mallery Sinn as she journeyed through the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, as she worked toward her goal to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Mallery didn't believe she could accomplish her goal because of financial difficulty. Once she heard of the WIOA program, she began to see her dream unfold. At this time, I would like to read a letter that Ms. Mallery Sinn sent regarding her experience with the WIOA program:
"My name is Mallery Sinn. I am a small-town, single mother of a 3 year old boy and a dog. I grew up dreaming of being a nurse one day, but all my plans changed when I couldn't get into a college-level registered nurse (RN) program. I ended up giving up and dropping out of college completely because no matter what RN program I tried to get into, I was never good enough or had the grades for it. I just gave up and went to work in my small town as a plant worker for several years.
In September of 2020, I found out I was expecting a child. My whole life changed when I saw that little plus sign on a stick. I knew I couldn't continue working where I did and raising a child on what I was making. I was concerned about the quality of life that my child would have. I started looking into school again. I checked into the BECK School of Practical Nursing and reached out to them for further information. I was accepted in less than a month. I was so excited about entering a nursing program that I forgot I had no money to pay for classes. BECK didn't let me back out. They called me in for a financial meeting, and I was introduced to the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act program.
WIOA changed my whole life. WIOA paid for my education and supported me while I was in classes. This program has allowed me to reach my dream of being a nurse. I am a single mother working full-time at my small-town nursing home. I own my own home; I can support my child and dog independently. I have a vehicle that runs decently and is safe to drive now, all because WIOA helped me with my financial issues. This program is incredible in so many ways. They will support you; you can lean on them for help and assistance. If you can't find a job/career, they will help you. I am still to this day so truly thankful for all they have done and continue to do for me, and how much they have helped me accomplish. I can be the best mother because of their help."