Hello, my name is Quiana Foster and I am 27 years ... - Cook County

From: Chicago Heights
National Able Network
1010 Dixie Highway
Chicago Heights , IL 60411
Phone: 708-898-5107
Hello, my name is Quiana Foster and I am 27 years old. The reason for me coming to
The National Able Network was to get assistance for employment opportunities as well
as education assistance. I heard about National Able from a friend of mine who had been
attending for about 5 months. She had mentioned her going to school for an EKG
technician and I wanted to know more because one of my goals was to obtain another
degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. She told me how it worked and where I had to go
in order to get started. It took me a few months before I actually went, but when I did I
was overly excited. I started in July of 2011. Now there are some qualifications that you
have to meet in order to get accepted and I met those qualifications.
After everything was processed I was assigned a Case Manager who I would meet with
and she would explain all of the details as well as the process. Her name is Tina
Caldwell and she has helped me tremendously from day one. To have someone who truly
cares and is passionate about what’s going on with you not only within the program but
outside as well is a blessing. She checks up on me on a bi-weekly basis no matter how
busy her schedule may be and she listens. When I became a part of the National Able
Network I was unemployed and my confidence was down because I was laid off my job
after 3 years. You never know what can happen and I was not prepared to be jobless.
Within the program I took a job transition course that would boost my confidence, get me
back on my feet and back into looking for the right job that was best for me. After
finishing the course I was excited, my confidence was high and I found a job. I started to
network with the people around me asking if they knew of any companies that were

hiring. Now I have a part-time job as an associate of The New Ashley Stewart, which is a
retail store that carries plus-size clothing for women. I was hired in October of 2011 and
yes I love my job.
On top of that I was chosen to online train by the Able Career Institute. I would be
provided with a brand new laptop, 3-in-one printer and free broadband. I was elated
because I had been looking for an opportunity to get back into school and there it was.
It’s been challenging because I had to commit to 20 hours a week on top of working in
order to complete all courses on time, but I made it through. I enjoy every moment of
learning as well as meeting new people. I enjoy the workshops every month and listening
to other student stories. The special guests who lives have been turned around, going
from nothing to something. All I can say is WOW! Next month I will be receiving two
certifications: one in customer service and one in retail management. Although I did not
receive the training of my choice, I received training in a field I had been working in for
11 years which is going to build my experience even more and make more companies
want to hire me. This is my success story and I want to give thanks to all who have
helped me through especially the National Able Network for the most exciting, heartfilling,
educational, believable experience I’ve ever had. I am now gainfully employed at
Ashley Stuart.
Thank You,
Quiana M. Foster