Lyle had recently been laid off from a full-time job. He took a temporary position at Wal-Mart until he could figure out his next steps, and decided to explore further education, hoping it might help open more doors for higher pay for him and his family. He received a grant to complete an electrical program that would fully cover his tuition. However, that was not the only assistance he needed. 

Since losing his job, Lyle had fallen behind on rent and car payments. He was also overdue for new tires and an oil change. He was also unsure how he was going to pay for some of his upcoming utilities.

Lyle soon learned about Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ St. Rita Workforce Development Program through his school. He decided to complete an application to see if he qualified and was relieved to hear that he was accepted! He started to work with the program to ensure he could get the help he needed while completing his education. 

Lyle participated in St. Rita’s soft and work skill classes, showed up to all of his meetings with his workforce specialist and continued to attend class each day. The program was able to help Lyle catch up on his rent, receive help with some utility bills and purchase one of his textbooks for school. During his schooling, he received an offer for an apprenticeship that would later lead to full-time employment. In order to have the opportunity, he needed to purchase his own tools. The St. Rita Program was able to purchase these for him. Lyle continued to pick up extra shifts at Wal-Mart to take care of his car repairs and utilized the Catholic Charities food pantry to help with some of his grocery expenses. Lyle ultimately graduated from his program and secured full-time employment at a local electrician’s office. He has now been working for several months and is enjoying every second of his new opportunity.

When his time with our program came to an end, Lyle stated in gratitude to his workforce specialist, “I started school with my family barely able to stay afloat. Thanks to this program, I was able to receive huge help on things like tools for my apprenticeship, as well as help with other life needs. I am forever grateful for this program for allowing me to excel at school and in my new job.”