National Able Network has served the South Side community since the 1970s. Thousands of job seekers have received all kinds of employment and career services from training assistance to interview preparation. As the 50th year of service is right around corner, Niasa Hollins-Watson, Program Manager, brings us on a journey through the teamwork and dedication flowing through the American Job Center at Prairie State College (Chicago Heights) as National Able Network remains committed as ever to the community.
“I get emotional thinking about where we started to where we are now,” says Niasa. As a team member at National Able Network for a little over two years, she has led the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program team during a time of tremendous change. There were many brand-new administrative and procedural adjustments to align with the needs of the workforce industry. Niasa says, “We started to find more and more corrections that needed to be addressed…But with all hands on deck, we knew it could improve.”
And improve it did! Through collaboration and communication, the National Able Network team focused on WIOA at the American Job Center in Prairie State College has consistently received a score of 9.9/10 for their work with customers. Niasa says, “We addressed things like: how do we give the best customer service, how do we input transitions that are easier for Career Coaches, and much more. Now, we’ve consistently showed we’re at the top of our game.”
The WIOA program supports job seekers in their pursuit of training to enter growing industries. With health care, transportation, and retail trade as the top 3 industries within a 5-mile radius of the center, Niasa mentions that many folks pursue healthcare skills and certifications, although there are many more opportunities to consider. The team does what they can to help a customer succeed, they are lead by values such as empathy, dignity and respect.
Niasa says, “We showcase a high quality of work. It really is a team effort. I’m blessed to have a team that trusted me to lead. It’s rewarding when you see the results of success, especially the success in customers and that we made that dream happen for a customer. We want to make sure they’re covered from beginning to end with the main goal of employment. We get the job done!”
If you or someone you know is interested in training or upskilling for a new career, the National Able Network team at the American Job Center in Prairie State College – is ready to help all your career dreams come true! Co-located with the team at Prairie State College is National Able Network’s established partner for youth and young adults aged 18-24, the Youth Job Center. For office hours and location, click here.
