‘It was my last chance’: Lincoln man says he’s proof of job programs’ success

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird continued celebrating “Grow the Great Life Week” on Wednesday by highlighting the city’s workforce development efforts.

“Grow the Great Life Week” is an initiative to enhance the overall quality of life in Lincoln.

The third day’s focus was on how Lincoln has used money from the American Rescue Plan Act to train and help people find jobs through the American Job Center.

One of the programs is fully funding 40 people getting their commercial driver’s license.

Christopher Aunquoe, whose troubled past included a criminal record, turned to the American Job Center for help.

“Everything that had made me feel defeated in society, and was keeping me from getting on my feet in society, were the very things that qualified me for this program.” said Aunquoe, a graduate of the CDL program. “This program wasn’t my second or third chance, but it was my last chance at proving to myself that I could be a productive member of society again.”

Gaylor Baird said the programs at the job center have been successful so far in giving people financially stable, meaningful careers.