IDOL Services
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Informational
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Success Stories from the
Illinois Support, Training & Employment Program
Ann from Prairie State College in Chicago Heights
ISTEP provides services to women like Ann who at 35 had to start her life over. After an abusive marriage, this divorced mom of three children needed to rebuild her future. She contacted the ISTEP staff at Prairie State College in Chicago Heights for assistance. After setting personal and academic goals, Ann enrolled in nursing classes.
With the help of ISTEP career counseling, emotional support and funding, Ann graduated in May 2005 with a nursing degree. She now earns $25.00 per hour as a nurse working at a center that serves youth with emotional and behavioral disorders. Ann receives a complete fringe benefits package including family insurance coverage. She believes the program set her on the path to economic independence and her children couldn’t be more proud of her.
Ernestine from Olive-Harvey College in Chicago
Ernestine is a single mom raising two teenaged sons. She separated from her husband as a result of domestic abuse and fought for custody of her children. Ernestine’s husband attempted to sabotage her relationship with her children, which made the situation even more difficult. With low self-esteem and only a high school education, Ernestine turned to the ISTEP center at Olive-Harvey College in Chicago.
While trying to get her life on track she enrolled in the respiratory therapy care program at the college. The ISTEP center assisted her by providing emotional support, referrals, tutoring as well as funding for tuition and books. Ernestine would drop by the center to speak with ISTEP staff and was offered encouragement to keep moving forward.
Ernestine grew as a student and a person with the tremendous amount of support from ISTEP. She attended class in the evening and worked part-time during the day at a Chicagoland hospital. As she completed her studies, she gained valuable experience in her field helping her land a position earning $15.00 per hour with full benefits. Since then, she found a new apartment to help create a safe environment for herself and her sons. Ernestine is now divorced and happier than ever in her job helping people as a respiratory therapist.
Lena from Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg
Lena, a young mom of three small children looks back to the time when she was a participant in the Illinois Support, Training & Employment Program (ISTEP) at Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg. Lena feels a sense of accomplishment—and she should—as she’s made so much progress in the last few years. As a single mom, divorced in her twenties, she became the sole support for her children. After an unproductive marriage, she decided it was time for a fresh start.
ISTEP staff quickly assessed her needs in August of 2003 realizing she needed immediate attention. Lena received federal financial aid information, housing and child care referrals, and transportation stipends. Staff advocated for her with local community agencies who awarded her and her children with a “Family of Distinction” award. She’s very proud of this award as it brings attention to families who are working towards economic self-sufficiency. While in school, Lena was an excellent student and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society.
ISTEP staff provided personalized counseling, workshops on resume writing and support that helped her secure a managerial position. In May of 2004, Lena graduated with two associates degrees. She is working full-time, earning $10.01 per hour with medical and retirement benefits as well as paid time off. Lena is active in her community and volunteers for community fundraisers. She believes the support and confidence building she received from ISTEP is an integral part to her success.
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Displaced Homemakers Assistance Act (Legislative Website)
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