Charles Friedline Jr.

HERSHEY May 6, 2009 – Eleven Pennsylvanians who overcame personal barriers to achieve professional success were honored with Governor’s Achievement Awards during the 25th Annual Pennsylvania Partners Employment, Training & Education Conference at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center.

The awards are sponsored by the state’s workforce development agencies. The awards recognize exceptional employees who have benefited from Pennsylvania’s workforce development initiatives and salute employers who hire former cash assistance recipients, and those who are dedicated to expanding education and employment.

	2009 Governor's Achievement Awards PA Department of Public Welfare Program Participant Award Winner Charles Friedline, Jr.

On August 30, 2007, Charles Friedline's family suffered a tragic accident that left their three-year-old son disabled. Charles and his wife decided to relocate from West Virginia to Somerset so they would be closer to relatives who could help them care for their family. After spending a month going back and forth to West Virginia for doctor's appointments for their son, their bank account was depleted. Charles and his wife were forced to go to the Somerset County Assistance Office to apply for cash, food stamps and medical assistance.

While in the EARN Work Support Component (WSC), Charles received job search instruction and began working on his GED. His lack of a high school diploma and criminal record hampered his job search. During his sixth week in WSC, Charles was hired part-time in a retail store. Even though he was excited about his new job, Charles knew he needed to continue to search for a better job with more hours and benefits.

While in the EARN Career Development Component program and continuing to work on his GED, Charles told the EARN staff that he always wanted to be a commercial truck driver. The EARN program helped him to enroll in the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program while he worked on his GED. Charles successfully completed the CDL training and was hired by Michael Dively Trucking on March 5, 2008 at $11 per hour. Charles met the six-month retention goal on September 6, 2008 and no longer needed cash and food stamps. He recently purchased a second car for his family and hopes to purchase a home sometime in the future.

"The winners of these awards deserve credit for not allowing the tough economy to overwhelm them,” said Department of Public Welfare Secretary Estelle Richman. “They set clear career goals, followed through to meet them, and are examples of what’s possible for all Pennsylvanians who are finding ways to make ends meet.”
	Pictured from left to right. Michele Zborovancik, SAPDC EARN Case Manager, Charles Friedeline, Jr., Annette Dively, CAPFSC Employment & Training Program Manager

Congratulations Charles!