Home » Events » One-Stop Month » In the Spotlight- 2012 In the Spotlight During One-Stop Month we will feature testimonials and short stories on our business partners and customers who utilized and benefited from one of the program or services provided by the Westchester /Putnam WIB or One-Stop Employment Centers. K. Yeboah, Peekskill "Of all my years in high school, I found my senior year to be the most stressful. Between trying to be admitted to the college of my choice, and trying to figure out how I'd pay for it, Ms. Karen Byrd (WWDAY) was very instrumental in my keeping my sanity throughout the process. I didn't really know Ms. Byrd prior to becoming a senior, but when I came to know of her she became a great help and advisor to me. She always kept me updated on opportunities that would better my resume and make me a better candidate for scholarships and admissions. With that, she also expressed a concern for my life plans. I appreciate her work with me."
S. Henry, New Rochelle
"The WWDAY has helped me in many ways. Since I’ve been in the program, I’ve been able to focus on my college essays and applications. This is a wonderful program that has provided me with snacks when I get hungry, computer access with research, and a lot of information about the next step forward. " - S. Henry, New Rochelle
S. Brown, New Rochelle
"The WWDAY program has helped me stay focused and to keep my grades up and managing my time wisely. Many students think they can’t afford college, because it is too expensive. Thanks to the WWDAY program, I have access to scholarship information and payment plans for college." S. Brown, New Rochelle
J. Simpson, New Rochelle
"The WWDAY program has helped me get the ball rolling. Before I joined the program, I was not preparing myself for college. Ms. Paige helped me write my essays, and my personal statement, and prepare for college." N. Rodriguez, Putnam "I was (and still am) an experienced educational professional…but, on June 30, 2011, my position as the Director of an Adult Education Program was eliminated, and my only means of making a living came to a screeching halt. Given the economy and knowing many other people were out of work and looking for a job as well, I became quite concerned. After a one week mandated waiting period, I filed for unemployment and took full advantage of all the help, support and encouragement I could find. One place that particularly stands out in my mind is the “Putnam Workforce Partnership” employment Center in Carmel, New York." "I called Putnam Workforce Partnership, made an appointment, and was warmly welcomed the next week. I met with the WIA Office Manager, Janet Canaday, Carolyn Padilla, a Department of Labor Representative, and last but not least, my savior Walezca Trzaskowski , the WIA Intensive Services Case Manager. When I met Walezca, I knew right from the start that she was going to help me. I told her that I was interested in taking classes in Human Resources (HR). I told her I did my homework and knew that there was a “Bright Outlook” for jobs in the industry. Before I knew it, I was filling out paperwork and was accepted into Pace University. I just completed ten weeks of classes and am now preparing for the Professional Human Resources Exam." "During the time I was taking classes, I had interviewed and accepted a job with the 1199SEIU Training and Upgrading Funds. I now have the best of both worlds. I am working in a field that I love, education and promoting Adult Education, and also learning about Unions and its Members in the healthcare industry (1199SEIU). The Human Resources class I took at Pace has proven to be so helpful to me. Although I am not directly working in the field of Human Resources (yet), I now have a better understanding of Labor Management (Union Workers) since we covered a whole section of it in class. Having this new found knowledge has given me a much better understanding of the industry in which I now work." "In closing, I would like to thank everyone at One-Stop for being so kind and helpful and providing me the much needed financial support to go back to school." - J Fraitag, Putnam "In September of 2011, I relocated from Florida to NY, originally my home town, with no job and no source of income. I stopped at the One-Stop career center- Putnam workforce to apply for a job. This is where I was introduced to a work program called Workforce Investment Act (WIA). I was assigned to Walezca Trzaskowski- my case manager. Together we worked on a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) program. It was a three month program and I was fortunate enough to pass the test to get in. It was a challenge of the over 40 years of not going to school I think the chains got smaller! But I passed both the written plus the skill test with an average of 96. I then applied to a nursing home here in Brewster, and I am proud to say that I am a CNA at Putnam Ridge. All this would not be possible without the help of this amazing program. I owe all my success to the Putnam Workforce Partnership for their hard work and diligence, and would like to thank everyone involved. I am proud to be back in NY and would highly recommend any one in need to do the same. Once again thank you for everything." M. Tovar, Putnam "I possess a Degree in Accounting & have had experience in this field for almost 10 years before I came to the United States. For eight years I was working at United Parcel Service that operates centers that feed parcels to hubs where parcels are sorted and forwarded to their destination. Unfortunately, I was terminated. I got in contact with my ocal One Stop Career Center (Putnam Workforce Partnership). They showed me all the new opportunities. I met Janet Canaday, Carolyn Padilla, Walezca Trzaskowski and Linda Marsek. I found that I have to reinvent myself in a new career, new trade, and new world Thanks to the WIA Program and their staff, I enrolled in a course that is in demand, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC)."
"Job prospects for HVAC Technicians are excellent all around. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that demand for HVAC Technicians will increase over the 10 years, with new job opportunities arising due to the technological advances and environmental awareness. Finally, it is almost the end of the course and I feel more confident, it is a matter of time to find a job in my new career.
Thanks you…Putnam Workforce Partnership Center and the WIA Staff." |
