Tennessee
Workforce Success Story Submitted By:
Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency / LWIA 7
Meet Emily
Workforce Challenge
During the past five years, Emily Peaster of Macon County, TN obtained her GED and training to become a Certified Nurse Assistant and later a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). In 2009 Emily was working full-time as a LPN at Knollwood Manor and attending training to bridge to a Registered Nurse when her husband lost his job. Her income alone was not sufficient to support her family and continue her training.
Workforce Solution
The One-Stop Tennessee Career Center at Lafayette provided Emily Peaster financial assistance through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program, which was used to pay for books, supplies, and licensure fees while she was attending the Bowling Green Technical College. Emily also received case management services and support from her WIA Case Manager, Cindy Holland.
Outcomes & Benefits
In December 2009, Emily Peaster graduated, earning an Associates of Applied Science from the Bowling Green Technical College. She graduated with a 3.562 GPA and received the Excellent Clinical and Patient Care Skills Award voted on by her clinical instructors. Emily passed the Registered Nursing State Licensure Exam in January 2010. “The WIA program was a ‘Godsend’” Emily stated. She is currently employed as the acting Director of Nursing at Knollwood Manor.
