Mark Twain Forest Employee Named Experience Works Participant Champion

Submitted by:

USDA Forest Service Eastern Region

First posted on 09-02-2009

Experience Works has named Mark Twain National Forest Customer Service Representative Lorraine Loy Missouri’s 2009 Experience Works Participant Champion.

Experience Works is a charitable, community-based organization focused on meeting the training and employment needs of low-income seniors.

Loy, 60, of Raymondville, MO and her husband moved from Louisiana to Houston, MO shortly after Hurricane Rita.

Working through Experience Works, Loy updated her job skills through on-the-job training assignments at a local food pantry and Mark Twain National Forest. In June 2008, Loy accepted a permanent position with Mark Twain National Forest’s Houston, MO district office.

“We’re proud to have her on staff,” said Mark Twain National Forest Supervisor David Whittekiend. “Lorraine’s positive attitude, perseverance and willingness to learn new skills helped her land a new job and serve as an example for other older individuals who are looking for work.”

Along with nominees from 29 other states in which Experience Works operates and Puerto Rico, Loy will now be considered for the National Champion Awards, to be presented on September 22, 2009 in Washington, DC.