The following is from Maddie Heitkemper, Community Based Case Manager with WorkSource:

Shad proactively engaged with the Reentry Program, demonstrating a strong commitment to his future and laying the groundwork for his success. Upon his arrival at the WorkSource office in The Dalles, Oregon, he worked closely with me, his community-based case manager, as well as the STEP program. Together, we guided him through resume refinement, interview preparation, and the navigation of post-release challenges to ultimately help him reach his career goals.

Shad obtained work at Discount Plus in The Dalles, but his ultimate goal was to obtain a Class A CDL and pursue a career as a truck driver. With this goal in mind, I worked with Shad to fulfill all scholarship requirements, including developing a Prosperity Planner and achieving a Silver NCRC. I verified his legal work documentation, including his Selective Service registration. Shad completed the Occupational Skills Training scholarship application, which WIOA Manager Mike Moreno approved on January 14, 2024. The total cost of the Elite Truck School training package was $5,220.00. We utilized funding through the P10K all other training funding stream to pay $4,836.50 towards his tuition at Elite Truck School, supplemented by $1,000 in tuition and $75 in gas vouchers from the STEP program.

Shad began his Class A CDL training at Elite Truck School in Hillsboro on February 3rd. After four weeks of intensive training and hard work, he completed the program on February 28th, earning his Class A CDL.

Shad is now actively pursuing multiple job opportunities in the high-demand trucking industry, including promising prospects at Azure Farms and Pepsi. This career path, once seemingly unattainable, is now within his reach, offering him the stability and growth he desired. He continues to express gratitude for the support he received from WorkSource and the reentry program.