Tribune staff reports

North Vernon resident Priscilla Jackson recently received a state award for overcoming employment barriers and personal challenges and for pursuing a better life for herself.

She was one of 22 recipients of the biennial WorkOne Achievement Awards, presented April 11 at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

The ceremony recognized the success of Hoosier employees and employers who have received services through WorkOne Career Centers of the Department of Workforce Development.

Jackson was nominated for the award by her local WorkOne center. She enrolled in the WIOA youth program as a 23-year-old single mother of two boys. Her case manager set up a six-week work experience with a local daycare provider. After completing the work experience, Jackson was hired full time and currently is employed at the daycare center, according to a news release.

She is in the process of buying a house and hopes that by next year, she will achieve her dream of opening an in-home daycare, the news release said.