"Douglas Wells' path to a well-paying job with potential for advancement had a few bumps, but the 27-year-old credits perseverance and a publicly and privately funded training and mentoring program with helping him reach his goal.

Wells completed a welding course and has been working at the Bridgestone Firestone tire plant in Des Moines. For now he is driving a forklift, but he is sure there are opportunities for advancement. More important, this father of two young girls will be able to set an example....

Wells is one of 57 participants in the Project Iowa program who have completed job training...The initiative was formed last year by AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy)."

Year of Success in Training Program, Des Moines Register