Mom Finds Support and Stability in Missouri Thanks to LINCworks and FEC Partnership

Training Leads To a New In-Demand Career Path

Maranda made a drastic decision to build a better life. As single mother of an infant boy and a two year old girl, she moved from Iowa to Missouri closer to family and in search of opportunity. The team supporting Maranda included our FEC MWA Counselor, a Workforce Development Executive, and a counselor with our partner LINC.

Here is Maranda’s story in her own words:

"I knew I needed stability, support, and a real opportunity to get back on my feet. That’s when I was referred to the Full Employment Council (FEC) by TANF/LINC, and everything began to change....

LINC provided me with resources that made this transition easier for my family, (including) a small cash amount that allowed me to pay my car insurance — something that gave me the security of knowing I could keep reliable transportation for work and appointments. They also assisted me with childcare resources...and ongoing support that helped me balance being a mom while preparing for work. Having that safety net gave me the confidence and peace of mind to keep pushing forward.

Maranda with her children.

The FEC walked with me through each step of the process. They enrolled me in a two-week course where I earned my forklift certification — a huge accomplishment that opened doors I never thought possible. They also provided gas money to help me get to and from training, and even helped me get the work clothes I needed to be job ready. The FEC is truly an amazing resource for people who just need a chance and the right support to succeed.

With their support and connections, they helped me land a full-time job with awesome benefits at Winland Foods in Excelsior Springs, Missouri. It’s more than just a job — it’s a fresh start and a foundation for my family’s future. I’m incredibly grateful to both TANF/LINC and the Full Employment Council for believing in me when I needed it most. LINC’s resources — from food stamps to cash assistance for car insurance to childcare support — made my transition smoother, and the FEC’s training and guidance helped me succeed in my career path. Together, they gave me the confidence, tools, and opportunities I needed to move forward.”

To learn more about potential career pathways in warehouse, logistics, transportation and other fields, visit Career Pathways on this website. https://www.feckc.org/career-pathways

September is Workforce Development Month. This month FEC is sharing stories about how Workforce Development improves outcomes for workers, businesses and our community through industry-driven strategies, worker mobility, integrated systems, accountability, and flexibility innovation.