In response to the ailing economy and massive job layoffs nationwide, Governor Blagojevich has launched "Workforce Outreach Days" to help Illinoisans find jobs.

"Hours are cut, people are laid off; just the stories we're all hearing", Sherry Laible-White DHS Public Service Administrator.

Illinois has lost 38 thousand jobs this year resulting in the highest unemployment rates since 1993. And Governor Blagojevich launched the Workforce Outreach Days Monday, to show Illinoisans help is available.

"We have more people to place so it's not that we're having difficulty placing them, there's just a huge pool of talent out there right now", said Bashir Ali, Director of Workforce Development.

At Workforce Network, staff members work with job seekers on resumes, career counseling...even Interviewing skills, to try and give them an edge over the competition. Administrators say fortunately, Peoria's economic status isn't as bleak as some cities.

"We have some strong economic drivers in our local economy. We have strong manufacture representation by Caterpillar and all of its suppliers", said Ali.

Through the Workforce Network, Sarah Carlton found a job at O-S-F.
She has since decided to go into nursing, and is securing a scholarship through the network.

"It's a big part of what we do and unfortunately we never have enough money and we always have a waiting list of people that need those services", said Carlton.

Services she says has changed her life.

"You don't have to have money, you don't have to have a car, just come...you know, just be willing to get some help."

Last year alone, this program helped 26 thousand people in Central Illinois. And although the governor is backing the Workforce Networks around the state, administrators worry, they may not be able to reach out as much if they don't get the funding.