The Business Employment Skills Team, Inc. would like to say “hats off” to our participants listed below who are nearing graduation from their educational training. 

So often success comes from the common moments of everyday life when we have summon up uncommon strength to keep on keepin’ on.  As Carly Simon put it, “It’s the stuff that dreams are made of.  It’s the slow and steady fire.”  So, congratulations on getting to class and getting the grades when it’s difficult to just get out of the house (or out of bed) because the kids are sick, your throat is sore, the car is as temperamental as a teenager and the mercury is in the single digits.  The best is yet to come.

Updated 10/22/2008

Lenna Rios’s road into the nursing program has been a long and difficult struggle.  During the course of her training, Lenna has dealt with several family issues.  Lenna went from a stable home to essentially being a single mother due to her husband’s addiction problems.  Lenna was accepted into the nursing program in 2002, but she had to decline since she was allowed to miss only one clinical, and clinicals were scheduled to start the week her youngest child was due.  In April 2003, Lenna officially separated from her husband.  This was an extremely difficult time for Lenna.  She quit going to school and dropped all of her classes.

In spring of 2008, Lenna sought assistance from B.E.S.T., Inc.  She had been accepted again into the nursing program and was living with her three sons in a homeless shelter.  Not many people would keep working towards their goal when life tells them to just give up, but Lenna did.  She was enrolled in the WIA program and with assistance from her Career Advisor, Katie Shevokas, Lenna has persevered and found her long and difficult road coming to an end.  Lenna has successfully completed the LPN program and passed her boards in August.  She is working part time as an LPN while completing the RN program.  Lenna will now be able to provide more opportunities for herself and her three boys.

NCI Works is proud to announce that in addition to her local award, Lenna has been nominated to receive a State Individual Achievement Award.  Congratulations, Lenna!

Katherine came to BEST, Inc. seeking assistance  with funding for the RN program.  She is a single parent determined to create a better, more stable life for her and her  daughter.  She was currently enrolled at IVCC and taking pre-requisite classes.  

In February, 2008 she was accepted into the LPN program and continued with her plans to continue on in the RN program.  She is currently working at the Mendota Luthern Home while attending classes. Katherine has overcome some personal problems while continuing with her training and employment.  She will be a great nurse and asset to our medical community.  We are very proud of her.

The old adage that says when a door closes a window opens has special relevancy to Amy Martin.  In the fall of 2004, Amy came into BEST looking for an open window.  After many years of marriage and children, Amy was going through a difficult divorce and all of the life-changing consequences that result. Amy needed a career that would offer financial self-sufficiency to aid in the new reality facing her family.

Juggling child care, budgetary restraints and serious medical issues with her mom, Amy graduated this past May with an accounting degree from IVCC while attaining a straight A average.  While attending IVCC, Amy also acquired many computer skills to compliment her financial abilities and worked in the IVCC financial aid office to further polish her credentials.

This past summer, Amy held a BEST internship with Quik-Kill in Streator.  This part-time position also helped with child care arrangements while Amy’s children were home from school.  When asked about Amy’s progress, Tim Baietto, said that Amy has a great attitude and strong work ethic which makes her an excellent team member. He went on to say that during the short time Amy worked, she managed both projects and time constraints with clarity and efficiency.  Quik-Kill was thrilled to have Amy on their team.  Summer, by the way, also brought Amy a new husband; the lucky guy can now probably have his taxes completed free of charge.

Amy will be job searching for a full-time position this fall.  With Amy’s personal attributes and skills, some employer will acquire the true meaning of “valued employee” by having Amy on-board.  Congratulations, Amy!

Congratulations To All!!