Karen Harmon always knew she was destined for a career in healthcare. “Helping people makes me happy,” Karen says, “It’s caring, nurturing work. I want to help people feel good every day.” When she moved from her native Philippines to the United States, she continued working in the healthcare field, building experience as a caregiver and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). But Karen wanted to take the next step in her career: earn the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification.
Unfortunately, the path forward came with challenges, including the high cost of education, as well as transportation needs, and childcare for her young son. However, Karen was determined. She soon learned about National Able Network and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program.
Through the WIOA program, Karen became eligible for a range of support services—from tuition assistance and transportation support to resume guidance and career coaching. Karen applied for WIOA through National Able Network and was quickly approved. She connected with her career coach and felt supported on her journey from the very beginning. “Working with my career coach was easy,” Karen recalls, “We talked all the time, and she was always happy to help. It felt like my achievement was her achievement.”
“[National] Able [Network] helped me with things like gas money so I could get to school,” Karen says, “It made a big difference.” With the encouragement of her career coach and the resources provided through National Able Network, she successfully completed her training and earned her LPN certification!
The new certification opened the door to greater financial stability and more opportunities for the future. Because nurses are in high-demand, Karen quickly secured a position as an LPN at Artis Senior Living in Wilmette, Illinois. For Karen, the achievement is more than a new job. It’s about building a better future for herself and her family, and continuing the work she feels called to do.
Looking back on her journey, Karen encourages others to seek out support and take advantage of opportunities that can help them move forward. “I think people should ask for help,” she says, “There is a lot of help available…you just need to ask for it. Programs like those offered through National Able Network can help people achieve their dreams.”
