Maggie D.

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.