Darlene enrolled in the EARN program in November 2023. She moved back to the Lehigh Valley after living and working in Manhattan. Her transition was not an easy one and she sought assistance from DHS and enrolled in the EARN Program.

As a single mother, she needed childcare and employment as soon as possible. Darlene did find a good support system here and began her journey back to being able to support her family. CareerLink® Lehigh Valley was a part of that journey. Everyone who encountered Darlene appreciated her attitude and cooperative spirit. She worked diligently, participated in all of the workshops and attended every off-site educational trip to training providers, employers and community partners.

Her primary concern was stability for her family and she always scheduled her activities with that in mind.  Darlene worked on Skill Up to improve and maintain her skills, updated her resume, and was ready to apply for jobs.

As Darlene built her confidence, she began applying and interviewing with one goal in mind, to find a career, not just a job, and to establish a career path that would sustain her family.

She is very active in her community and participates in volunteer work. At one of these events she met a person who talked to her about a position and encouraged her to apply.

Darlene discussed the position, which was with Maternal and Family Health Services, better known as WIC. With her recruiter team, they read and modified the resume for the job description. She applied, interviewed, was hired, and began in February 2024.

Darlene continues to do well in her position and in her community and has been extremely grateful to all who assisted her at CareerLink® Lehigh Valley. She has met six months of retention on September 16 and is well on her way to completing one year of retention. This position offers her the opportunity to grow and continue to work within the community. Darlene is a great example for her family to follow.