Workforce System Success Stories - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

William was released from a Maryland state prison in October of 2021 after spending eight years incarcerated. Homeless and suffering from a history of substance abuse, William found his way to the Helping Up Mission, where he spent the next two years in recovery. He worked for about a year as a forklift operator for a local manufacturing company but was laid off. After almost 6 months of unemployment, William’s counselor at the Helping Up Mission referred him to Maryland New Directions (MND) for job training and employment assistance. At this point William was a 64 year old man with a history of incarceration and substance abuse. Clearly, he had significant barriers to overcome to find gainful employment.

Luckily for William, he discovered the Maritime, Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics (MTDL) training program at Maryland New Directions in October of 2023. The MTDL program is funded by the Maryland Works for Wind (MWW) grant, a grant funded by the Economic Development Administration at the Department of Commerce. The grant supported job coaches and trainers who assisted William in developing a professional resume and preparing for interviews. Along with industry specific training, MND coordinated with partners to provide William with training in soft skills, financial literacy, mental health awareness, and legal aid. The MND program provided William with bus tokens, clothing, and hot meals and snacks during the 3-week program. Job coaches helped William access additional outside resources for food assistance. When the time came for William to interview for employment opportunities, he was referred to Sharp Dressed Man to get professional attire.

He worked closely with his job coach to research potential job opportunities and submit applications. From the beginning, William was motivated to make the most of his time in the MTDL training program, and his commitment set an example for his classmates. He arrived on time, dressed professionally, and provided strong leadership to his assigned group for a team project. At the completion of the program, William was recognized for perfect attendance, along with earning his forklift certification. On December 7, 2023, William started a new job as a production associate with Home Chef, a local meal delivery service. William values his time at MND and has offered to return as a volunteer to speak to incoming cohorts about the value of the program and how to be successful.