Story 1.
When Anastasiia and her young son arrived in Illinois after fleeing the war in Ukraine, she carried with her a deep uncertainty about the future. Back home, she had studied engineering, but language barriers and the unfamiliar American job market left her feeling lost. Through Citizens Assist Career Services & Economic Empowerment Program, Anastasiia was introduced to CNC Machining, a field that valued her technical background and offered hands-on training. With individualized career coaching and tuition support, she enrolled in a certification program at a local community college. The first time she programmed a CNC lathe, Anastasiia felt a spark of hope. Within months, she not only earned her certification but also secured a well-paying job at a manufacturing company in Kane County. Today, Anastasiia’s steady hands and sharp mind help craft precision parts for the medical industry, and she’s become a mentor to other refugee women, proving that resilience and opportunity can create a new beginning.
Story 2.
Through OCHA’s program, he learned about the demand for Commercial Driver’s License(CDL) holders. Despite never having driven a truck before, Aimé embraced the challenge. With career coaching, Englishlanguage support, and a grant that covered 90% of her training costs, he earned his CDL. Today, Aimédrivesroutes across Illinois, delivering goods and supporting his family with a steady income and healthbenefits. Hisjourney from classroom to cab has made him a symbol of determination in his community, and he oftenvolunteersto help other vulnerable immigrants navigate their own career pathways, showing that courage andopportunitycan pave the road to a brighter future.
