Marcia Hultman

Cabinet Secretary

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Showcase of Successes

Job Search is the Best Option

First Successful PREP Participant

Help Yourself to Success

Foreign National Seeking New Life

Motivation and Hard Work Leads to Success

Huron's Youth Job Search Workshop

Job Search is the Best Option

Jennifer | 40-year-old Single Mother

Jennifer came to her local Job Service office interested in applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). A DLR Employment Specialist (ES) told Jennifer about the variety of services available to her as a 40-year-old single mother with a 14-year-old pregnant daughter and currently enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Jennifer has an associate degree in Accounting but has been unable to work in the past year. Together, Jennifer and her ES reviewed the job openings in her county of interest and discussed making updates to her resume and cover letter. Her ES provided Jennifer with examples of appropriate cover letters and referred her to multiple job openings in the area. Jennifer communicated with her ES through email to make corrections and edits to her resume and cover letter. This type of communication worked best for Jennifer due to the rise in COVID-19 numbers in the county and Jennifer's family situation.

First Successful PREP Participant

Alexis | H.S. Dropout

Alexis is the first successful PREP participant! Alexis came to DLR to seek out employment opportunities. Alexis was a high school dropout who wished to obtain her GED, something she had unsuccessfully attempted in the past.
The rollout of the new PREP program was on the horizon and would help lay a firm foundation for Alexis to build on. Alexis was excited about the opportunity to partner with Cornerstones Learning Center and the Department of Labor on this new program.
The partners worked together to create a Co-Education/Employment Plan to set forth goals for Alexis to receive the PREP incentive dollars and housing support services. Alexis contributed 66 GED Academy and Virtual Class time hours before scheduling her final tests exams in June. We are pleased to announce that Alexis obtained her GED in record time! Currently, Alexis is working on getting her welding certification and is enrolled in Pre-Requisite Training for Basic Welding.

Help Yourself to Success

Carl | Facing Incarceration

Carl was facing incarceration if charged with his offense. He applied for and was accepted into the SCSEP program in April 2021 and was admitted into VETS Court System at the same time. Carl was placed at a community work site where he was trained in multiple different areas including preparing and packaging meals for elders. Carl obtained employment in the healthcare field by following the program's requirements, and working with his caseworker and a Disabled Veterans' Outreach Specialist. He started his new job on Monday, Sept. 13. Congratulations Carl!

Foreign National Seeking New Life

Alina | Homeless and Seeking a Better Future for Her Children

Alina came to the Sioux Falls DLR office in July 2021 seeking services. She had moved to the United States two years prior, seeking asylum from Russia. Alina had been living in California, but after reading about the prosperity of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, she decided to begin a new life here with her two young children. Alina obtained her work authorization papers in June 2021, and was anxious to find work. Unfortunately, there were many obstacles to overcome before employment was possible, including the fact Alina and the children were homeless.
The Employment Specialist helped Alina apply for benefits and gave her the resources to establish temporary housing. Alina started working vigilantly in her quest for shelter. A local shelter provided a family room while Alina began her pursuit of an apartment. The TANF and SNAP program provided some assistance while Alina applied and waited patiently for housing. Due to a housing shortage, apartments were difficult to come by, and the process took longer than expected. Still, through her diligence and perseverance, she was able to secure housing for her family. With help from her caseworker, Alina obtained childcare through TANF care contracts and was ready to work.
Alina and her Employment Specialist worked on her resume, including her bachelor's degree from Saint Petersburg State University of Engineering and Economics in Russia and her extensive experience in banking, retail development and business management. She is also fluent in Russian, English and beginner French. Alina was ready to work anywhere; it didn't matter. She just wanted to care for her children financially. Alina knew her background in Russia would not translate easily to the United States. Her Employment Specialist got her set up with a Work Experience where she is earning a weekly wage and learning how to translate her skills to the U.S.

Motivation and Hard Work Leads to Success

Joan | Recently unemployed

Joan contacted the Department of Labor interested in learning more about the Upskill program. She is married and lives with her spouse and children. Joan was laid off from her job in March due to the pandemic. She has a great deal of experience in accounting but no degree or certificate. She felt getting a certificate would provide more opportunities for higher wages and advancement.
Her goal was to complete the Accounting program at Lake Area Tech. Joan was very motivated and said she would finish her classes at night if she got a job. Her only barrier was receiving unemployment from Nebraska. She ran into a few obstacles along the way but was able to work with her Employment Specialist to stay on track and prove her ability to complete her online courses. Throughout her UpSkill journey, DLR offered Joan various services and resources to help her along her path to success. Joan was able to maintain straight A's and complete the program. She is now working for a great company and plans to be with them long-term.

Huron's Youth Job Search Workshop

Huron's Youth Job Search Workshop was held at the Huron Job Service on Aug. 5, 2021, with eight participants. All participants were enrolled in WIOA Title 1 and received the $50 Youth Incentive for the day. The day started with staff presenting the class with information about DLR services and programs. Budgeting was the first topic of interest and included a simulation game to show the participants how important it is to budget their money. Next, participants were given instructions and shown videos about filling out paper and online applications and learning about resumes, cover letters and the interview process. There was also a presentation on social media and why they need to be careful what they post so it won't hurt their chances of getting a job. Job retention was the last topic where the class discussed why employers value long-term employees and what qualities employers look for in an employee. Next, guest speakers from different career clusters spoke to the participants about their respective careers. The afternoon included a tour of the Health Care Industry where participants could talk to individuals from multiple departments of the health care industry and were even able to enjoy some hands-on activities.

Matt and Brandi with class participants    Eric talking to participants
Learning how an EKG works    Ms. Hser learning some of the equipment
Participants hard at work    Surgical Tech shows class how to gown up
Practicing with respiratory therapy equipment    Everyone played games

Read more Showcase of Successes in our archive.