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In 1976, Barbara Snagel began her first and only job at a well-known restaurant on the outskirts of Chicago. She would continue to work in that restaurant for the next 40 years, weaving herself into the thread of the local community through the restaurant industry. “People I knew that began dating in the restaurant would continue to come back, even after they were married, after they had kids and after their kids had kids. I saw our regulars at least once a week for almost forty years,” Barbara said. However, one day Barbara’s life unraveled – the restaurant unexpectedly closed with absolutely no warning.

“I was completely blindsided, completely devastated,” said Barbara. “My life was thrown into the wind and I had no direction, and I didn’t know what I was going to do.” Barbara came to National Able Network, enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and began working with Career Coach Matthew Daigler.

Barbara Snagel

During orientation, Barbara sat among individuals who had strong trade skills, and she felt that her skills were confined solely to a restaurant setting. Barbara said, “I didn’t really know computers or how to work in retail. I’d never needed a resume and I had no idea how to get a job. I mean, my resume would have been two sentences long!” The guidance provided by her Career Coach and others at National Able Network, along with her own unwavering perseverance helped Barbara attend workshops that helped her to build her interview skills and to perfect her resume and cover letter.

Slowly but surely, Barbara began to find direction and confidence. Matthew assigned her homework that consisted of many things, one of which was reviewing the training opportunities provided through National Able Network and picking her top five choices. Based on her strong desire to help people and her decades of customer service experience, Barbara chose to train in the healthcare industry and she started working to obtain her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.

Although Barbara hadn’t been in a classroom in years, and even though she was the oldest student in the class, that didn’t stop her for a second! Barbara passed her exams and earned her certification! She is currently working in the private care-giving sector and loves it. “I wish I would have done this years ago. It’s very fulfilling. It’s great to wake up in the morning, and I owe that to National Able Network. I would totally recommend this organization. Last summer, at this time, I didn’t think I was going to make it. When I came to National Able Network, I was expecting to receive a life, a direction…a purpose and a reason to go on…they gave me direction, confidence and focus. They made me feel good about the choices that I made in life. If someone is need of help, they’ll help you help yourself!”

Congratulations, Barbara!

If you or someone you know is looking to start their career path, National Able Network can help! Call 855-994-8300 or click here to learn more today.