The Transition Team began with a group of 35 individuals meeting regularly to identify major obstacles pertaining to the pre-layoff status of the Maytag/Whirlpool factory in Herrin, Illinois. The team pooled resources to find realistic solutions to what would normally be considered impossible circumstances. With the second major dislocation event occurrence involving the Technicolor Universal Media Services (TUMS) facility in Pinckneyville, the tremendous outpour of additional community involvement became a reality. Now, with 73 participants and growing at every layoff, the Transition Team not only tackles obstacles that inhibit a smooth transition, but is also able to assist communities with services provided for the displaced workers and their families.

The Transition Team is organized into four subcommittees: Job Search, Education, Social Services/Resources and Healthcare. Each committee is hosted by a Man-Tra-Con staff member, chaired by a Transition Team member, and supported by input from a peer counselor.  

Some of the services the Transition Team has been able to provide during the past year include: WIA & TAA intakes, College Opportunity Fairs, Regional Days of Prayer, Silver Ribbon Campaign, Employment Opportunity Fairs, Focus on Finance workshops, Insurance Education Seminars and videos, Staying Connected: A Gathering of Friends to Celebrate New Beginnings dinner, TUMS Picnic, Job Clubs, Volunteer Corps: A Collective Pool of Professional Adult Mentors and Volunteers, TransitionsSI website and monthly Transitions newsletters. These programs have insured that our customers and their families are provided with all of the information, resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their transitions.

Organizations participating on the Transition Team include: Man-Tra-Con Corporation, Southern Illinois Workforce Investment Board, Workforce Investment Area 25, John A. Logan College, Addus Healthcare Solutions, Southern Illinois University, Illinois Department of Human Services, SIU Small Business Development Center, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois Coalition of Community Service, The Women's Center, Maytag/Whirlpool, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois State Senator Gary Forby, City of Herrin, Shawnee Health, Rend Lake College, Southern Illinois Healthcare, Southern Illinois Collegiate Common Marketplace, City of Marion, McKendree College, Mid-Continent University, as well as representation from many other organizations. Several southern Illinois businesses participate in specific services and activities by donating time, prizes, volunteers, and monetary gifts to be used to support the families in transition.