Success Stories

“Something is telling me this is it. Something is telling me this is my last chance,” said Daniel, after his third overdose attempt in 2024. His spiritual awakening propelled Daniel to turn his life around and to become a community role model for those struggling with addiction.

Dan was referred by the Armstrong County Assistance Office to the EARN program in November 2024. His first move was to tackle his high school equivalency education through EARN/ARIN at the PA  CareerLink© Armstrong County. He accomplished that goal in less than four months!  But, before we go on to tell you what else Dan accomplished, you must know Dan’s story and Dan said if sharing his story helps one individual, then it is well worth it.

Daniel started taking prescribed pain medication at the age of 14, following a motorcross back injury.  It got worse when he lost his dad at age 17.  “I fell in love with the feeling of feeling numb. I lost my dad to suicide when I was 17. I dove head first after that into street life,” abusing opiates and pain medications, Dan recalled. Dan was in a pain management program but got kicked out of the program. He soon dropped out of school, figuring he could make money instead of going to school.

“Most of it was luck. I am lucky that I was not dead or incarcerated. I did serve time in juvenile detention. I was quite the troublemaker. This is the reason why I speak out and tell my story because a lot of people from my walk of life fall into addiction and don’t want to talk about it,” Dan said. “I came from the top of the world feeling and went from that to a full-blown addict.” He abused opiates and other drugs from ages 14 to 33.

Then came March 1, 2024. Dan technically died for about eight minutes after his third overdose.

“I had my spiritual awakening. Something pulled me back. I woke up knowing I had to change. I must change or I will die,” he said. Daniel said that he lost five days of memory from that period.

Daniel went straight from the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit to a 28-day detox center. His next journey took him to a 30-day rehabilitation program. Daniel and his children had family support while he got life back in order. Dan completed 90 meetings in 90 days and another 90 days of intensive outpatient treatment. He continues personal recovery practices.

Now fast forward a little bit, while working with EARN, Dan became a certified Peer Specialist after completing that training in spring 2025. Dan was assisted with job readiness, job placement, retention support, barrier removal, case management, mileage transportation, a car purchase, vehicle repairs, childcare, educational test costs, incentives, tools, laptop, Goodwill card, birth certificate and Social Security cards for family, St. Vincent de Paul referral for clothing, food and back to school resources.

Dan completed a one-year employment retention program through EARN in June 2026. Dan has worked for Unity Family Services for over a year, earning a pay raise, company recognition and increasing leadership assets. The company will train him soon to become a supervisor. Dan has helped to coordinate a local recovery resource fair and is involved with future ones outside Armstrong County.

Dan continues to accompany fellow recovery addicts on their journeys.

“Here I am today as a certified peer specialist and a member of the community support program. It has been quite a journey these past 2.5 years.” Dan said. “I was a person actively playing a role in destroying this community and am now on the complete opposite side” building it up.

It is with great pleasure the PA CareerLink Butler County nominate Kiley Critchlow for the STEP Award. Kiley’s journey reflects exceptional determination, resilience, and a strong commitment to achieving long-term self-sufficiency. Her rapid progress and outstanding accomplishments make her a truly deserving candidate for this recognition.  Please pay attention to this very short timeline, with very big results. 

Kiley first connected with the PA CareerLink’s Title I program, Career TRACK in September 2025 and officially enrolled on October 31, 2025. She actively participated in WRAP sessions, engaged in job searching, and secured employment with the PA CareerLink as a youth worker in the Career Resource Center on December 11, 2025.   At the end of the day on December 11th, all we had to say was WOW!  She is going to go places! We need to keep her!  What a great first impression!!

Kiley asked questions, wasn’t shying away from suggestions and by January 5, 2026, Kiley was also working with EARN and of course the case manager with EARN states “Kiley’s progress has been remarkable!”  Since enrolling in January, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to achieving her goals. At the time of enrollment, she was participating in the Career TRACK Youth Paid Work Experience Program and exploring career options in administrative or service-oriented roles. Through consistent engagement with PA CareerLink® services, she built valuable skills and developed a clear path forward.

Kiley achieved several significant milestones within just three months. On March 1, 2026, she secured permanent housing for herself and her daughter without subsidies, reflecting her determination to establish stability and independence. By March 30, 2026, she obtained full-time employment as a Career Advisor at the Career TRACK office—a role that aligns with her long-term career goals and provides meaningful professional growth. By June 1, 2026, she was successfully managing a full caseload—an impressive milestone in such a short timeframe.  She has already made contact with the PA CareerLink for another youth worker to replace her at the PA CareerLink and the youth worker started two weeks ago! 

In addition, Kiley addressed transportation barriers by obtaining assistance to have her vehicle inspected, ensuring reliable access to work and supporting her ongoing progress.  Kiley’s success is a testament to her resilience, her commitment to personal and professional development, and her ability to fully utilize the resources available to her through EARN, PA CareerLink®, and community partnerships. She not only met but exceeded expectations, emerging as a model of what can be achieved through dedication and persistence.

Now that you paid attention to Kiley’s short journey with big results……..how long was her journey, starting with enrollment until she was full time employed with permanent housing?  FIVE MONTHS!!  Way to go Kiley.!  Your journey serves as an inspiration to others participating in workforce development programs, demonstrating that with determination and consistent effort, long-term stability and self-sufficiency are attainable.

For these reasons, we are honored to nominate Kiley Critchlow for the STEP Award. Her accomplishments truly embody the spirit and purpose of this recognition. strong work ethic and dedication soon led to her being hired by Career TRACK on March 30, 2026.   And Kiley…..Nala is so proud of her mommy.

Career T.R.A.C.K. would like to recognize Olivia Boring as being selected as the TCWIB STEP Award recipient for March 2026. Olivia was referred to Career T.R.A.C.K. during her senior year by Marion Center Area High School Learning Support Teacher Shayla Wagner.

During Olivia’s initial meeting with Career T.R.A.C.K. in March 2025, Olivia expressed an interest in the medical field…specifically Phlebotomy. Her passion for this career was very apparent, and she was already taking necessary steps during her senior year to prepare academically. Olivia was also researching local training providers that offered a Phlebotomy program.

Upon her high school graduation, Olivia enrolled in the Career T.R.A.C.K. program. By late August, Olivia had begun the Phlebotomy and Specimen Processing Program at WCCC’s Latrobe Campus. While juggling a part-time job in Indiana and traveling to Latrobe every weekday, Olivia managed to do very well during the classroom portion of the curriculum.

In mid-October, Olivia successfully completed the classroom component of the course and transitioned into the clinical practicum with placement at Independence Health’s Latrobe Square facility. Monthly reports praised her hands-on progress as it was noted Olivia “handles stressful and difficult patients well.” Her evaluator commented that “Olivia is a natural at phlebotomy and a fast learner. She is respectful, patient, and polite. Olivia has accomplished a lot in a short amount of time and would make a wonderful Phlebotomist.”

Before she even completed her clinical practicum, one of Olivia’s preceptors spoke with the Hiring Manager and team lead at Independence Health about hiring her. When Olivia finished the program on December 13th, she had a new full-time job awaiting her on December 15th as a Phlebotomist with Independence Health at the Latrobe Square facility.

During her time with Career T.R.A.C.K., Olivia regularly communicated with her Career Advisor. She provided updates on her academic progress, acquisitions of certifications and clearances, as well as general adjustments to new and unfamiliar elements of the training. Olivia specifically noted about an upcoming orientation at Westmoreland Hospital was “scary, but exciting.”

While Olivia has had to overcome challenges, she successfully achieved her career goal and continues to be employed as a Phlebotomist with Independence Health. We congratulate Olivia on the completion of her training program, and wish her well as she continues to expand her skills and knowledge.

Gabriel came to Career T.R.A.C.K. (CT) in July of 2024 seeking assistance with gaining
employment and supportive services. He specifically was seeking employment close to his home
due to a transportation barrier. Gabe was motivated and committed to working towards a better
future. During an initial meeting with his Career Advisor, Gabe disclosed that in addition to a
transportation barrier, he also was part of the Foster Care system. CT staff worked with Gabe to
develop a plan to address these challenges and enrolled him in their work experience program as
a member of their youth work crew.

The work crew provided part-time work experience that allowed Gabe to gain valuable
hands-on work skills at community worksites, and develop communication, teamwork, and
problem-solving skills. Gabe also successfully completed an internship with Infinite Stitches, a
small local based custom upholstery business located in Rural Valley, which gave him the
opportunity to develop additional skill sets.

Throughout his time working with CT, Gabe showed that he was reliable and committed
to pursuing his goals. He regularly attended weekly Job Club, which teaches both life skills and
job search skills such as interview techniques, professional conduct, and resume building. Gabe
expressed an interest in applying for a Corrections Officer position, but with his transportation
barriers, he was not able to do so at that time.

Continuing to participate in the CT Youth Program, Gabe earned his National Retail
Foundation Customer Service Credential, passed his driving license exam, and secured reliable
transportation. While assisting as part of the work crew at the Armstrong PA CareerLink® job
fair, Gabe utilized learned networking skills and spoke with staff from the Armstrong County
Jail. He soon after applied for a position with them, interviewed, and secured employment as a
full-time Corrections Officer.

Gabe’s story is one of how skill-building, perseverance, determination and accepting
assistance and support helped him turn uncertainty into a defined path of success with further
possibilities in the future.

Ma’Kiyah was referred to Career T.R.A.C.K. by the EARN Program in September 2023.  Ma’Kiyah began her Work Experience at the PA CareerLink Indiana County in October 2023.   During her time as a receptionist, she maintained very good attendance and was very reliable despite being a single parent.  Ma’Kiyah brought a personable and enthusiastic attitude to her customer relations, both in-person and on the phone.  PA CareerLink® Triage staff Peggy Kelly was assigned to be Ma’Kiyah’s supervisor and mentor.  In completing her evaluations, Ms. Kelly noted that Ma’Kiyah was “always willing to learn” and “proved to be a great asset to the PA CareerLink® team” during her tenure at the PA CareerLink®.  Ma’Kiyah also showcased great motivation during her work experience – notably wanting to obtain her driver’s license.  Career T.R.A.C.K. was able to coordinate weekly driving lessons starting in November 2023.  In just a couple short months, Ma’Kiyah achieved her goal of becoming a licensed driver by the end of December 2023. 

While participating in her work experience, Ma’Kiyah expressed a strong interest in entering into post-secondary education at some point in her future.  She was receptive to enrolling with the ARIN Center for Education for academic ‘brush-up,” so her Career Advisor helped to enroll Ma’Kiyah in a weekly Adult Education curriculum to assist with working towards her long-term career goals.  Ma’Kiyah maintained very good attendance in her classes and was able to increase her educational functioning levels in both reading and math.

Ma’Kiyah was enrolled in our Adult Education program in October 2023 through February 2024. During that time, Ma’Kiyah dedicated herself to strengthening both her academic and job skills, while maintaining her Front Desk position at the PA CareerLink® through the Career TRACK program. No matter how busy she was, she always walked through the door with a smile, bringing positivity and encouragement to everyone around her. She did not just focus on her own growth—while being in the Adult Education Program, she made sure her classmates stayed motivated too. Her determination, warmth, and uplifting spirit left a lasting impact on all of us, and we could not be prouder of her journey.  

Ma’Kiyah began working as an Outreach Specialist with the ARIN IU Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program in 2024. In this role, she has demonstrated dedication and compassion by spearheading initiatives across 11 counties. One of her notable accomplishments includes leading a homeless drive for winter clothing and food during Homeless Awareness Month in November.  Although she faced challenges early on when donations were slow to arrive, her determination never wavered. By the end of the month, she successfully collected numerous coats, gloves, hats, and nonperishable food items, which were distributed to individuals in need, including many children requiring warm clothing.  Her commitment extends beyond seasonal drives. She continues to assemble hygiene kits and school supplies for children experiencing homelessness, distributing them to shelters, school districts, and families in need.  Throughout her time with us, she has consistently demonstrated confidence, drive, and professionalism. We are grateful for her caring, energetic, and humble attitude, which enriches our team every day. 

Sayed Ali and Rahima completed participation in the Indiana County EARN program. Ali’s journey started in the fall of 2018 when he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to attend Indiana University of PA to attain his Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Ali and his wife Rahima decided that he would go to the states and study while she remained home with their two daughters. Once completed, he started his PhD in Composition and Applied Linguistics. During his time at IUP, the political mood began to quickly change in his home country of Afghanistan. Ali began his process of applying for asylum. Ali was granted asylum in October 2021 and started the process of bringing his wife and daughters to Indiana. Like everything that pertains to immigration, the process is never simple or swift. Ali had to wait four painstaking years until he reunited with his family. While this time was emotionally taxing on Ali, it paled in comparison to what Rahima lived. While Ali was studying at IUP, Rahima was left alone with two small daughters in Afghanistan. She lived in hiding trying to protect her children.

When she finally received word that their immigration hearing was scheduled she had to travel with two small children to Islamabad, Pakistan. The distance would be equivalent of traveling from Florida to Maine. She used whatever means was necessary to travel, even with some of the journey being completed on foot. In the fall of 2022, Ali struggled with the emotional toll this was taking on his family. He contemplated giving everything up and returning to Afghanistan to save his family. There were countless contacts and resources that he utilized throughout the U.S. to assist getting his family to safety. Rahima and the girls finally made it to their immigration hearing and were granted asylum in December of 2022. The final leg of their journey began after receiving their travel documents so that they could be reunited in Indiana, PA. In February of 2023, Rahima and the girls finally stepped foot on American soil. Once all of Rahima’s paperwork was complete, they were eligible to apply for cash assistance. At that time, they were enrolled in the EARN Program in the Spring of 2023.

EARN has assisted these two individuals in many different ways. For Ali, EARN has served as a resource for assisting him in completing paperwork for the County Assistance Office, understanding taxes and tax returns, and different American processes that his family now face; i.e. how to purchase a home. For Rahima, EARN has served her as a place where she can learn and practice her English. We have also provided her driving lessons where she was able to attain her PA DL and even purchase her own vehicle. Ali is now an adjunct professor at both IUP and Duquesne University. Rahima is working on her Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as she would like to attend nursing school. Rahima is planning to start school in August.

Jeffrey is a PA CareerLink program participant that has openly talked about facing adversity in his life. However, even with that adversity he has been able to achieve career success as a Notary Public and as a Title Clerk in the automotive field. Jeffrey’s first encounter with the PA CareerLink® Armstrong County Office came during his participation in a virtual RESEA Personalized Service Meeting (PSM), after losing his job.

During the process of creating his Individualized Employment Plan (IEP), it was learned that Jeffrey was wheelchair bound from an accident. While for many this type of physical employment barrier may have been a hinderance, it was not for Jeffrey. In describing this barrier, he said the only accommodation he required was receiving assistance with transferring back and forth from his vehicle to his wheelchair. When choosing the type of RESEA Mandatory 2nd Event, he chose to participate in Career T.R.A.C.K.’s WIOA Orientation of Services workshop as he felt it was most beneficial for him. When discussing this workshop with his career advisor, he said he wanted to remain in the automotive industry, but was open-minded to exploring training and OJT opportunities within his skillset.

In addition to dealing with being wheelchair bound, Jeffrey faced more adversity during his RESEA program participation. During that participation, his mother unexpectedly passed away which understandably affected his ambition and motivation to job search. When he did return to his job search activity, he was receptive to job referrals he was provided from the PA CareerLink® for possible positions.  Jeffrey successfully completed/met his RESEA Objective but was unable to achieve his goal of gaining employment that utilized his skillset as a notary public/title clerk when his RESEA case was closed after the 60 day participation.

This though did not end Jeffreys’ participation with PA CareerLink® Armstrong County Office. Jeffrey participated in the Armstrong County Job Fair. During the job fair in addition to meeting and speaking with staff from OVR and the PA CareerLink® partners, he also spent several hours going from employer-to employer introducing himself and discussing job opportunities. One employer his career advisor spoke to, commented on how professional he appeared to her and that he made a strong impression on her. Though his persistence and perseverance, Jeffrey employment story came to a successful ending. Jeffrey secured a Title Clerk position with C. Harper Automotive in New Alexandria, PA.

Chad successfully completed the TANF In-School Youth Work Experience Program. Chad was a senior at Penns Manor High School and was placed at Hildebrand’s Mowers & Saws, LLC in Indiana to participate in a work-study starting. During his work experience, Chad was given the opportunity to learn a variety of tasks dealing with small engine repairs at a family-operated business. During an interview at the completion of his program, Chad noted several things he learned while participating. They included assembly of new equipment and power tools, carburetor repair/adjustment, and how to look-up parts. Another take-away from his experience was the importance of maintaining an organized shop, and seeing how a family-owned business is run.

Charles “Chip” Hildebrand, owner/manager of Chad’s worksite, expressed his overwhelming satisfaction with Chad’s performance. He stated that Chad has shown a willingness to learn any task they requested of him, while maintaining a positive “go-getter” attitude from the start. Mr. Hildebrand also noted that by becoming a partnering worksite with Career T.R.A.C.K., it was “an awesome opportunity to train someone.” Career TRACK workers learn not only specific job-related tasks, but also understand how a small business operates. Chad was hired as a permanent employee at Hildebrand’s after his work experience with Career T.R.A.C.K. ended. His new, permanent position includes medical benefits, vacation, and retirement options.

Hilliary came to Career T.R.A.C.K. looking to make a career change after she was laid off from her job.  She had learned about our program after meeting with Indiana County Technology Center and researching the truck driving program and employment opportunities.   After 12 years as a caregiver, she was ready to move forward and pursue her dream of obtaining her Class A CDL and becoming a truck driver.  She comes from a family that all have their Class A license and have supported their families on this income and she wanted to continue that tradition.

Upon her completion of the truck driving program and obtaining her Class A CDL, she immediately obtained employment driving truck.  Within a few months she had customers calling and sending emails to the employer stating what an excellent job she was doing.   At this time, Hilliary is employed as a truck driver with GRD Transport and loving her job. Without the funding from Career T.R.A.C.K. she would not have been able to pursue her dream career.

Steve successfully participated in the Dislocated Worker program.  Steve contacted the PA CareerLink® Butler County at the beginning of July about job search assistance.  After having been laid off, he had decided it was time for a change having spent the last 30 years in sales. Upon contacting PA CareerLink®, the Career Advisor shared different activities that Steve could complete in searching for a good match to transition to and referred him to Career T.R.A.C.K. for assistance. 

Steve began his journey with Career T.R.A.C.K. by attending the Job Club every Wednesday. It was also during this time that he learned more information about the On-the-Job training (OJT) program.  This program is designed to assist employers by offsetting the incurred training costs of new employees through reimbursing 50% of the hourly wage.  He started applying the information acquired from Job Club into his job search. 

Shortly thereafter, Steve interviewed with Butler Agway and shared with them the potential of doing the OJT program as a great opportunity for him and the employer.  Agway was very impressed with Steve and interested in participating with Career T.R.A.C.K. for the program.  Steve started with Agway in August as the lawn and garden department manager.  By using the guidance and knowledge Steve gained through attending Career T.R.A.C.K.’s job club, he was able to have the opportunity to branch out into a different field and begin a successful new career.

Nathan’s story begins with a recommendation from his father, a former Career T.R.A.C.K. participant who obtained his own high school equivalency (HSE) diploma with our program nearly two decades ago. This set the stage for Nathan’s own path to success. On November 22, Nathan embarked on his educational journey through the HSE portion of our program. His approach to the GED tests was unconventional yet highly effective. Scheduling his tests in pairs, he took on two subjects in one day and passed his Science and Social Studies exams on the first attempt. Just four days later, he tackled the Math and English GED tests, passing those on the first try as well. Within two months, Nathan had successfully earned his high school equivalency certificate.

Nathan’s determination didn’t stop there. In February, just one month after obtaining his GED, Nathan enrolled in our Occupational Skills Training program at Keystone Diesel to pursue his CDL-A License. His performance in this program was outstanding. By March, his progress report highlighted his impressive 94% cumulative grade and perfect attendance record. Nathan’s commitment to excellence was further demonstrated by his early employment with Glassmere in Tarentum, PA, which he secured even before graduating on March 22, 2024.

Nathan consistently excelled in every challenge he undertook. His journey through our programs showcases not only his individual accomplishments but also the support and opportunities provided by the Butler County PA CareerLink® and its programs. Nathan’s story is a testament to the transformative power of hard work and the impact of supportive career programs.

Maggie came to Career T.R.A.C.K. in need of her GED and with no work history.   She was in high school when the COVID 19 pandemic changed the way youth had to learn.  Struggling and trying to learn from home was no easy task for any youth and Maggie was no exception.  She withdrew from high school but knew she wanted to return at some point and get her GED.  So, she enrolled through the Career T.R.A.C.K. Youth Program.  Career T.R.A.C.K. partnered with ARIN Intermediate Unit at the PA CareerLink in Armstrong County.  Maggie was able to obtain her GED in just 3.5 months.  This means she successfully passed Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Science and Math exams.  

During this timeframe, she also started a work experience with Quality Life Services.  She started her work experience as an activities aide but thought she may also enjoy working in dietary as a future planned employment path.  Career TRACK was able to provide supportive services for her such as uniforms and TB testing so that Maggie could start her program. 

After successfully completing her work experience, Maggie was offered the opportunity by Quality Life Services to train in an OJT, which is an on the job training, as a dietary aide.  She was hired on as a regular full-time employee and effectively completed that program as well.  Maggie is still employed through Quality Life Services and is examining ongoing training to further her skills in healthcare. Her hard work, dedication and belief in herself, has helped her to retain this employment, secure benefits, and she has been able to purchase a vehicle for herself.