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Last July, when a lack of federal funding forced the Man-Tra-Con Corporation from its previous office inside the VF Factory Outlet Mall, it looked as if the southern Illinois employment service was going to be without a home in Franklin County.
As it turned out, it now looks more like a stroke of good fortune.
Thanks to hard work and some pieces falling into place, Man-Tra-Con is now operating locally from the Frankfort Community Unit School District 168 Special Education office adjacent to the high school on East Main Street. The new location is not only an upgrade in terms of convenience, but it also allows for some handy collaboration between education and job placement.
"We had the opportunity to meet and figure out how we could combine the two agencies so we can better serve the community members of West Frankfort and Franklin County, not only for students with disabilities, but for general education students as well," said FCUSD 168 director of special education Dr. V. Gayle Crawford.
With both entities working out of the same building, a natural partnership has formed between the two. Man-Tra-Con program director Michelle Cerutti said her organization, which works to find career paths for adults, dislocated workers and youth, is now more in tune with potential clients because it often deals with the same clients as the special education office.
"It's a great partnership for the youth services especially because we are working with the same population so we can help them with employment services and connect them to GED services if that comes into play. So being right here across from the high school is really the perfect location and a great partnership," said Cerutti.
Crawford said the ultimate goal of both offices is to steer at-risk students toward staying in school and working toward their diplomas. However, in the event that extemporaneous circumstances force a student to withdraw from school, she said having Man-Tra-Con's services on-site are invaluable.
"It's been a motivator having Man-Tra-Con with us right near the high school because it's added incentive for students to stay in school rather than pursue a GED, but if for some reason they do decide that they want to drop out and want to get a GED, at least we have a person right here that we can refer them to," said Crawford.
Last July, when a lack of federal funding forced the Man-Tra-Con Corporation from its previous office inside the VF Factory Outlet Mall, it looked as if the southern Illinois employment service was going to be without a home in Franklin County.
As it turned out, it now looks more like a stroke of good fortune.
Thanks to hard work and some pieces falling into place, Man-Tra-Con is now operating locally from the Frankfort Community Unit School District 168 Special Education office adjacent to the high school on East Main Street. The new location is not only an upgrade in terms of convenience, but it also allows for some handy collaboration between education and job placement.
"We had the opportunity to meet and figure out how we could combine the two agencies so we can better serve the community members of West Frankfort and Franklin County, not only for students with disabilities, but for general education students as well," said FCUSD 168 director of special education Dr. V. Gayle Crawford.
With both entities working out of the same building, a natural partnership has formed between the two. Man-Tra-Con program director Michelle Cerutti said her organization, which works to find career paths for adults, dislocated workers and youth, is now more in tune with potential clients because it often deals with the same clients as the special education office.
"It's a great partnership for the youth services especially because we are working with the same population so we can help them with employment services and connect them to GED services if that comes into play. So being right here across from the high school is really the perfect location and a great partnership," said Cerutti.
Crawford said the ultimate goal of both offices is to steer at-risk students toward staying in school and working toward their diplomas. However, in the event that extemporaneous circumstances force a student to withdraw from school, she said having Man-Tra-Con's services on-site are invaluable.
"It's been a motivator having Man-Tra-Con with us right near the high school because it's added incentive for students to stay in school rather than pursue a GED, but if for some reason they do decide that they want to drop out and want to get a GED, at least we have a person right here that we can refer them to," said Crawford.
In addition to connecting young people to GED services, Man-Tra-Con also can provide them with incentives to seek out education at alternative schools, such as Project ECHO located south of West Frankfort. Cerutti said the Workforce Investment Act allows her organization to provide assistance to students who otherwise might not be financially able give up a paycheck to pursue a diploma.
"Sometimes students need that help. They cannot afford to go to school instead of going to work," said Cerutti.
However, when a student does make the conscious decision, Man-Tra-Con services can also help them try and land on their feet through its career services. It can provide job search assistance, access to training and connect clients to prospective employers.
"We are always getting calls from area businesses asking if we have any referrals. That's why we always try to encourage people to come to us when they are looking for employment because we do have the contacts out there," said Cerutti.
Crawford said the one thing that makes the collaboration between the special education office and Man-Tra-Con great is that they share a common goal—enhancing the lives of the people that walk through their doors. Details have already been agreed upon to add an additional year to Man-Tra-Con's lease and both parties are looking forward to an extended collaboration.
