Center News

CJCC Volunteers with West Virginia Human Rights Commission at Fair Housing Conference

Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) participated in the West Virginia Human Rights Commission Fair Housing Conference which was held April 29-30, 2013, at the Summit Conference Center in Charleston, West Virginia. Students Crystal Coleman and Shaunda Gatlin from the CJCC Business Technology Class assisted Ms. Mary K. Jacquet of the West Virginia Human Rights Commission by attending to conference participants, passing out handouts, running errands, and handling conference needs.

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Natural Gas Presentation at Charleston Job Corps Center

On April 29, 2013, Charleston Job Corps Center welcomed David Haney, President of Ellison & Haney (E&H) Manufacturing. Mr. Haney gave a presentation, "Energy Speaks: The Natural Gas Industry and Its Opportunities for Employment," to our students in the Facilities Maintenance, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Carpentry, Painting, and Network Cabling training programs.

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Charleston Job Corps Center Celebrates Global Youth Service Day

On Saturday, April 27, 2013, Charleston Job Corps Center joined an estimated two million young people participating in Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) activities nationwide. Business Community Liaison Tia Welch and student Clarence Henson volunteered with West Virginia State University Community Service Day partner American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Medical Office Support students Shanae Brown, Kara Miller, Arunya Rimongrua, and Stephanie Rager volunteered with Thomas Memorial Hospital for the Children's Health Fair.

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Charleston Job Corps Student Interns with Senator Joe Manchin's Office

On Monday, April 22, 2013, Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) student Tyrael Mosely was cordially invited to job shadow with Senator Joe Manchin's Charleston District Office under the direction of Sara Payne Scarbro, Deputy State Director. This was in recognition of Global Youth Service Day.

Tyrael, who is the Public Relations Officer for the CJCC Student Government Association, was grateful to have this honor. He stated, "My experience there was excellent. I really enjoyed it." Tyrael and the Senator's staff spoke with Senator Manchin in a conference call. In addition, Tyrael helped with a press release listing events for Commonsense Connections Week during which Senator Manchin's staff will travel to all 55 West Virginia counties during one week in May.

CJCC's student leaders continuously look for opportunities to intern and job shadow with our congressional leaders. Senator Manchin was a co-speaker for the National Job Corps Commencement Day in August 2012, and the center expresses its sincerest appreciation to Senator Joe Manchin, Sara Payne Scarbro, and the Charleston District Office for this opportunity and their continuous support of the Job Corps program.

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Charleston Job Corps Center Celebrates Earth Day

Charleston Job Corps Center kicked off Earth Day activities on April 22 with a student and staff assembly that featured information regarding the theme of Earth Day 2013: "Climate Change" and watched Al Gore's "The Price of Carbon" narrated by Reggie Watts. During the afternoon, students from the Facilities Maintenance class cleaned, weeded, and restored a community garden at the Bob Burdette Center at Emmanuel Baptist Church on the Charleston's west side. Loren Friend, the Director of the Bob Burdette Center's After School program and member of the CJCC Community Relations Council, stated, "The students did a good job."

On April 23, the Facilities Maintenance students improved the landscaping at the Women's Club of Charleston on Virginia Street East. Students removed debris, mulched, and planted flowers. Rita Dobrich, the Women's Club President and member of the CJCC Community Relations Council stated, "We really appreciate the help."

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Charleston Job Corps Center's CRC/CIC Joint Meeting - April 12

Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) held a joint meeting of the Community Relations Council/Center Industry Council (CRC/CIC) on Friday, April 12, 2013, at the Charleston Marriott Town Center. Several committee members, staff, and students were on hand to receive updates on the center and participate in the recognition ceremony.

The center honors local community leaders once a year for their outstanding support and exceptional service. Recipients of Horizons Youth Services and Charleston Job Corps Center plaques for Spring 2013 were Carl Chadband of the Kanawha Institute for Social Research & Action, Laura McCullough of Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College, John Ballengee of the United Way West Virginia, Richard Wolfe of West Virginia State University, Clint Thomas of Charleston Newspapers, Kali Vernon of Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito's Office, Sara Payne Scarbro of Senator Joe Manchin's Office, and Jessica Tice of Senator Jay Rockefeller's Office. All of the honorees serve on the Community Relations/Center Industry Council and play an integral part in our students receiving opportunities in volunteering, community service, work-based learning, job shadowing, and internships.

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Charleston Job Corps Center SGA Volunteers with Fair Shake Network

The Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) Student Government Association, (SGA) and Business Community Liaison Tia Welch, a member of the Fair Shake Network, volunteered at the State Capitol for the Annual Ice Cream Social on April 10, 2013. The SGA volunteers, Shawn Murphy, SGA President; Detario Melton, Vice President; Tyrael Mosley, Public Relations; and Shanae Brown, Secretary, were accompanied by CJCC Social Development Director Sandy Atkins.

Every year, the Fair Shake Network serves ice cream during the legislative session with the help of several volunteers. The Fair Shake Network is an association of West Virginians that provides training and systems advocacy on issues affecting people with disabilities through statewide grass roots and cross-disability activities.

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CJCC Students Receive Suicide Prevention Training

Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) held an Adolescent Suicide Prevention and Intervention Training workshop for leadership students on Monday, April 8, 2013. Trainer Mark Mason conducted the workshop for student leaders to give them information and training in dealing with their peers who may be depressed as well as recognizing the warning signs of suicide. The students also received pocket cards of the warning signs and the Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK ((800)-273-8255).

Every 60 seconds, a suicide attempt is made in America. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among West Virginia youth. So what can you do? ACT! A - Acknowledge C - Care T - Tell. Mr. Mason stated, "If someone is going through something, don't laugh... don't ignore - talk to them and tell a trusted adult."

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CRC Executive Board Meeting

Charleston Job Corps Center held a Community Relations Council (CRC) Executive Board Meeting on March 27, 2013, to discuss the Job Corps enrollment freeze and center performance measures. Special guests included representatives from the local offices of Senator Rockefeller, Senator Manchin, and Congresswoman Capito.

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CJCC Financial Literacy Workshop

Judy Strawderman, West Virginia Director of Community Relations for the Better Business Bureau, was the guest speaker at the CJCC Financial Literacy Workshop held on March 13, 2013, in observance of Credit Education Month. Twenty students attended the workshop which covered financial basics such as budgeting, managing checking accounts, using debit versus credit cards, and protecting themselves against identity theft.

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Charleston Job Corps Center Director Honored on West Virginia Civil Rights Day

Charleston Job Corps Center Director Curtis Price was honored at the Governor's 10th Annual Civil Rights Day celebration, which was held February 22, 2013, at the West Virginia Division of Culture and History. Mr. Price and 23 other honorees were recognized for "Advancing Civil Rights Through Advocacy."

Mr. Price has spent over 20 years working with the Job Corps program and previously worked with then-Governor Jay Rockefeller's office as the Equal Employment Opportunity Director. He is an accomplished musician and is best known for his prowess on the basketball court. He played on the legendary 1968 undefeated team at Charleston High School which won the state championship under Coach Lou Romano. In spite of a knee injury his senior year of high school, he excelled in basketball at West Virginia University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education and Social Studies.

Several Charleston Job Corps students volunteered at the event, and several center staff attended.

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Charleston Job Corps Black History Program

Charleston Job Corps Center held a center-wide Black History Celebration on February 20, 2013, for staff and students. The program was sponsored by the Recreation Department.

The guest speaker was Ms. Barbara Cary, Director of Upward Bound and Student Support Services at West Virginia State University. Ms. Cary stated that several influential black leaders made their mark on history, but asked the students, "What are you going to do?" She talked about her upbringing and success in spite of all odds and encouraged students to eliminate all excuses and pursue their goals.

The program included a dramatization, a staff choral ensemble, and a poetry reading of "What Happened to Us?" by student Shamiah Williams. A special thanks goes to Mr. James Carter for organizing the program.

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West Virginia State University Extension Services Provides Tax Help for Our Students

West Virginia State University (WVSU) Extension Services provided free tax Preparation Services to the students of Charleston Job Corps Center for the second year. Adult & Family Education Extension Agent Deidra Waller conducted sessions on February 12 and 14, 2013, for students who worked in 2012. Charleston Job Corps Center gives special thanks to WVSU Extension Services for providing this service on center.

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CJCC Students Attend Senator Rockefeller's Fair Hearing

Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) students Shauna Parsons and Shawn Murphy attended Senator Jay Rockefeller's fair hearing on "Pipeline Safety: An On-the-Ground Look at Safeguarding the Public" which was held on January 28, 2013, at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston, West Virginia. The students worked the sign-in table for participants and visitors to the hearing. The students then listened to testimony given by a homeowner, pipeline industry leaders and specialists, and Senator Jay Rockefeller and Senator Joe Manchin regarding the recent Sissonville, West Virginia, pipeline blast. The students were accompanied by Charleston Job Corps Center Director Curtis Price and Business-Community Liaison Tia Welch.

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CJCC Writer's Conference

Recreational Advisor Tierah Williams spearheaded the Writer's Conference on January 24, 2013, for a select group of students at Charleston Job Corps Center. Special guests included Cynthia Wilson, writer of "Battered but not Broken", poet and illustrator Goldie Honeycutt, and local musician Timothy Courts. Workshops included "The Style of Writing Music", "Poetry Writing", and "The Art of Playwriting" to name a few. Students from the Young Poet's Society Poetry Club presented at the conference, and several staff attended.

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

Charleston Job Corps Center hosted a center-wide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Thursday, January 17, 2013. This event was hosted by the center's Recreation Department under the direction of Recreation Supervisor Anthony Goodson. Business-Community Liaison Tia Welch served as mistress-of-ceremonies.

The keynote speaker was Rev. James Patterson, pastor of the Institute Church of the Nazarene and founder of the Partnership of African-American Churches (PAAC). Rev. Patterson spoke to students and staff regarding the relevance of Dr. King in his time and today and the ability to speak truth to power. He issued a challenge for staff and students to continue and complete the struggle.

CJCC student Kevin Cook read an excerpt from I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, and music was provided by Leisure Time Coordinator James Carter. Center Director Curtis Price challenged students to recommit themselves to the dream of pursuing their education and career goals. Mr. Price emphasized a day of service versus a day off in honor of Dr. King.

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CJCC December 2012 Graduates

Please join us in celebrating the December 2012 graduates of Charleston Job Corps Center:

  • Carolyn Aycox of Richmond, Virginia
  • Natasha Berlus of Temple, Pennsylvania
  • Kevin Brown of New Castle, Delaware
  • Carolos Crenshaw of Shaenandoah Junction, West Virginia
  • Teneese Chappell of Huntington, West Virginia
  • Lindsey DeMonte of Springdale, Pennsylvania
  • Mon Dhakal of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
  • Naquia Dixon of Newark, Delaware
  • Jameel Gaines of Baltimore, Maryland
  • Faith Harrison of Essex, Maryland
  • Brittany Lloyd of Yeadon, Pennsylvania
  • Katerin Machado-Gonzalez of Hyattsville, Maryland
  • Alicia Meyers of Paw Paw, West Virginia
  • Dorothy Mitchell of Charleston, West Virginia
  • Mahliet Nigatu of Lancaster, Pennsylvania
  • Bruce Owens of Portsmouth, Virginia
  • Brittani Pate of Dover, Delaware
  • Destiney Polanco of Reading, Pennsylvania
  • Michelle Shifflett of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
  • Latrice Taylor of Charleston, West Virginia
  • Rickeen Thornton-Norris of Pottstown, Pennsylvania

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CJCC Recognizes Student Leaders

CJCC's Recreation Department sponsored a Student Leadership Banquet on December 12, 2012. Ninety-eight students and staff from various center departments attended the event. Students were recognized for their participation in center clubs and organizations such as the Student Government Association, Ladies of Excellence, Ladies with a Vision, Modern Man, CJCC Inspirational Choir, the CJCC football team, and Dorm and Recreational Leadership.

The guest speaker was Dr. T. Ramon Stuart, Assistant to the Vice President of West Virginia State University. Dr. Stuart encouraged students to maximize the moment and take advantage of their opportunities at the center.

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Ladies of Excellence

Charleston Job Corps Center's Ladies of Excellence attended the Rotary Club of South Charleston Annual Christmas Luncheon on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. Students Chelsea Co and Charmagne McKinney enjoyed the festivities and were accompanied by Business Community Liaison (and Rotary Club President-Elect) Tia Welch.

The Annual Christmas Luncheon is attended by members and guests at Little Creek Country Club of South Charleston, West Virginia. Entertainment was provided by the South Charleston High School Show Choir. A special donation on behalf of the Rotary Club was made to the choir and representatives of the Heart and Hand Community Center of South Charleston, West Virginia.

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The Most Magical Time of the Year

Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) participated in the Annual Charleston Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 8, 2012. Students from the CJCC Student Government Association and Medical Office Support (MOS) trade were accompanied by CJCC staff as they passed out candy and carried newly purchased holiday stuffed animals. All stuffed animals were later donated to the Pediatrics Floor of the Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) Women and Children's Hospital. CAMC Child Life Specialist Christi Bissett stated, "I really appreciate it."

CJCC Business Community Liaison Tia Welch stated, "Charleston Job Corps Center continuously looks for ways to support our community, and by donating to the Pediatrics Floor, we hope to make a child's day brighter during this Christmas season."

The student participants were: Mohammed Ahmed, David Beatty,Shanae Brown, Brandi Cabic, Miranda Garrison, Shakiyla Green, Larhonda Guinn, Andy Hart, Destiny Melbar, Shawn Murphy, Antoinette Posey, Arunya Rimnongrua, Amanda Shields, Asia Thomas, and April Trask. The staff participants were MOS Instructor Jennifer Lester and Business Community Liaison Tia Welch.

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Reaching Out Across the Region

Curtis Price, Center Director of Charleston Job Corps Center spoke about the Job Corps Program at the Region 2 Workforce Investment Board (WIB) meeting on Thursday, November 29, 2012. The audience included WIB Executive Director Claude Hunt, Region 2 WIB members, City of Huntington Mayor Kim Wolfe, and other business and community leaders. Region 2 includes the following counties: Boone, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, Putnam, and Wayne.

Mr. Price opened with an overview of the Job Corps program and the career technical trades offered at Charleston Job Corps Center. He informed the audience how Job Corps works. He elaborated on the return on investment for taxpayers, the impact on the local economy, and Job Corps' ability to change lives one student at a time. Mr. Price emphasized student responsibility and accountability, employability culture, and workforce standards taught and instilled within our student population by dedicated staff. He also informed the board of the center's desire to increase West Virginia enrollment and asked for their assistance in those endeavors. In closing, an invitation to tour the center was extended to all.

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Charleston Job Corps Honors Veterans at Community Meeting - November 12, 2012

Veterans at Charleston Job Corps Center were honored during the Community Meeting for staff and students. The veterans were acknowledged by Center Director Curtis Price and received a certificate for going "above and beyond" which was presented by Human Resources Manager Teresa Miller and Business Community Liaison Tia Welch. A reception immediately followed the meeting.

The center recognized the following veterans:

  • Daniel Bishop, Trainee Employee Assistance Program (TEAP) Specialist - U.S. Navy
  • Ray Blust, Finance & Administration Director - U.S. Army
  • Jeff Burdett, Security Manager - U.S. Navy
  • Darrell Byrd, Food Services - U.S. Army
  • Michael Carter, Academic Instructor - U.S. Marine Corps
  • Thomas Davis, Security - U.S. Army
  • Kenneth Dillard, Security - U.S. Army
  • Gary Evans, Safety Officer - U.S. Army
  • Jeff Hall, Security - U.S. Air Force
  • Rodney Hamon, Property Specialist - U.S. Marine Corps
  • Gary Hampton, Career Technical Training Manager - U.S. Navy
  • Daphne Smith, Outreach & Admissions Project Director - U.S. Air Force
  • Bryon Thompson, Information Technology - U.S. Army
  • James Walton, Career Preparation Period/Career Transition Period Specialist - U.S. Army
  • Robert Wooding, Residential Advisor - U.S. Army
  • Harold Williams, Security - U.S. Army
  • Guy Wilson, Maintenance Manager - U.S. Army

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A Thanksgiving Feast!

Charleston Job Corps Center students volunteered on behalf of the YWCA Sojourners Women's Shelter for the annual Thanksgiving Benefit Dinner on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at St. George Orthodox Cathedral in Charleston, West Virginia. Student volunteers included Regina Studivant, Asia Thomas, Felipe Phillips, and Chasity Clowney from student leadership groups on center.

The annual benefit dinner raises funds to support the shelter that provides housing to women and families. Charleston Job Corps Center partners with the YWCA Sojourners Women's Shelter by providing student volunteers for special events and is always grateful for the opportunity to serve.

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CJCC is on the Air!

Business Community Liaison Tia Welch and Training Director Richard Clendenin of Charleston Job Corps Center were on air with Mike Agnello, host of Business Matters on WCHS Radio 58, on Saturday, October 27, 2012. The purpose of the show was to inform potential business partners about ready-to-hire employees who are competent with career technical training skills for 21st century careers. Listeners were made aware of opportunities to serve on the Community Relations and Center Industry Councils to provide feedback on community service opportunities and evaluation of trade areas. The CJCC staff encouraged West Virginia youth to enroll, and contact information was provided.

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Charleston Job Corps Center Walks for October Breast Cancer Awareness

Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) held a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Friday, October 26, 2012. Students and staff met at Greenbrier Street and walked down Kanawha Boulevard to Magic Island in signature pink T-shirts to bring awareness to breast cancer and the continuous need for funding to find a cure.

CJCC Business Community Liaison Tia Welch stated to the gathering, "I encourage women and men to do self exams and get an annual mammogram from their physician or local health provider. Breast cancer can happen to anyone. It does not discriminate."

Staff member Tena Jones, a breast cancer survivor, gave remarks regarding her experience stating the importance of women – young and old - doing self breast examinations and reporting anything suspicious to their physicians. Regarding her diagnosis, Jones stated, "I asked the Lord to give me strength and calmness not to get angry or upset. It was through His grace I got through it."

Pink balloons were released in honor of those who have succumbed to the disease. Special thanks were given to Lt. Steve Perry of the Charleston Police Department and John Charnock of Charleston Parks and Recreation. The Breast Cancer Awareness Walk was featured in the Saturday, October 27, 2012, issue of the Charleston Gazette newspaper.

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Community Relations Council - Final Meeting of 2012

Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) held its quarterly Community Relations Council meeting on Friday, October 19, 2012. The Community Relations Council is comprised of business, civic and educational organizations, elected officials, and other community partners. The goal of the council is to identify projects of mutual interest of the community and the center.

The focus of the meeting was to highlight the Social Development Department under the direction of Social Development Director Sandy Atkins. Students Ortigo Coleman, representing the Construction Industry Trades, and Aisha Watte, representing the Health Industry Trades, gave presentations of their academic and career technical training accomplishments as well as their future endeavors. Essay contest winner Jason Acquah read his entry on "Self Respect," which was a crowd pleaser. The CJCC choir performed under the direction of Leisure Time Learning Coordinator James Carter. Center Director Curtis Price stated, "We appreciate the staff and students and all the work of the Community Relations Council."

If you or someone you know would be an asset to the Community Relations Council, please contact Business Community Liaison Tia Welch at (304) 925-3200. Our next meeting will be in January 2013.

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Charleston Job Corps Center - We Love Books!

Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) students volunteered with the Kanawha County Public Library (KCPL) by setting up books and materials, moving items, and assisting in general preparation for the annual West Virginia Book Festival and KCPL Book Sale.Several students from the Facilities Maintenance class, under the direction of instructor Ron Jenkins, did such a great job previously that they were asked to participate again this year.

The West Virginia Book Festival brought people together for a two-day event on October 13 & 14, 2012, to celebrate the Mountain State's writers and brought authors, publishers, and book vendors from across the nation to Charleston. The festival had books and activities for all ages. Some highlights include "meet the author" events, the Festival Marketplace, a special children's section, a used book sale, workshops, and panel discussions.

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Charleston Job Corps Center Graduates Work!

Charleston Job Corps Center continues to train and educate students for career success that lasts a lifetime. Check out the following graduates:

  • Briana Brown is working at the Army Base in Norfolk, Virginia, making $14.65/hr. She completed the Office Administration Trade.
  • Ayai Vines is working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington, DC, making $11.77/hr.
  • Nykeema French completed the Certified Nursing Assistant trade and enrolled in higher education.
  • Scott Woods completed the Office Administration trade and is working for Western Petroleum for $15.00/hr.
  • Corey Hughes and Antonio Woodrup both completed carpentry trade and are working for Contractors & Builders making $14.00/hr. in Baltimore, Maryland.

Congratulations to our students and staff who continue to prove that "Job Corps Works!"

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A Dinner Date

The Multi-Cultural Committee hosted a Greco-Roman Dinner for the students and staff of the Charleston Job Corps Center on Wednesday, September 19, 2012. The students and staff feasted on cultural cuisine prepared by the cafeteria. A toga party was held on Friday, September 21, 2012, in the Recreation Department. The Multi-Cultural Committee is chaired by James Carter, Leisure Time Coordinator, and strives to promote diversity awareness by various activities and events.

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Facilities Maintenance Lends a Helping Hand

The Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) participated in a beautification project. Five Facilities Maintenance students provided assistance to the Women's Club of Charleston, West Virginia, by digging holes, removing debris, and planting 25 mums around the complex. The students were praised for their work by members of the Women's Club. President Nancy Trotter stated, "We need this kind of service." Facilities Maintenance students are taught 21st century skills to become employable in the field by trade instructors, Gabriel Hopen and Ron Jenkins. The Women's Club was preparing for their annual Friendship Tea for members and their guests which was held on September 12, 2012, at the club house. The Charleston Job Corps Center welcomes opportunities to serve our community neighbors.

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2nd Annual National Job Corps Commencement Day

Charleston Job Corps Center joined all Job Corps centers across the country to celebrate the second annual National Job Corps Commencement Day on August 24, 2012, to congratulate the Job Corps students who showed that "Job Corps Works!" by completing the program this year.

Recent Job Corps graduates, employer partners, local policymakers, community leaders, family members, and many others recognized these students' achievements and the investment they made in their futures and our community. Charleston Job Corps is one of 125 Job Corps centers located across the country. A unique national program, Job Corps offers at-risk youth a set of diverse academic opportunities and career pathways tailored to meet the needs of business and industry. Each year, Job Corps gives 60,000 youth a second chance to complete their education and advance into careers, higher education, or the military.

"National graduation is a good time to tell the nation all the wonderful things of Job Corps," said Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, the keynote speaker at Charleston Job Corps Center's ceremony. Congresswoman Capito emphasized the importance of communication unlimited by technology, stating, "We have got to communicate with each other using our voices and eyes."

Mark Shriver, author of A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver, served as the national keynote speaker for the event. Shriver, the son of Job Corps founder Sargent Shriver, congratulated the 60,000 students who graduated from Job Corps this year. "Job Corps is a great investment for the American people," Shriver said in a special nationwide video address delivered in front of the United States Capitol. "Your commitment and dedication to get good-paying jobs make Job Corps the most successful federal training program serving your age group.

"Job Corps, the nation's most effective career preparation program for at-risk youth, has been vital to the success of many young people with few options since it was founded almost 50 years ago," Shriver said. "That's why we need Job Corps for 50 more years – to continue helping young people like you who may not have the same opportunities others have had but are willing to work hard to overcome their obstacles," he told the students. Job Corps has served more than three million out-of-work young adults and underserved youth nationally. Many are high-school dropouts or public-assistance recipients, and Job Corps helps them become active contributors to their communities.

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin stated, "Every child should have a skill set so they can make it through life today. Look at someone or something to see what they did, and you will find they surrounded themselves with good people with morals and values." Although Senator Jay Rockefeller could not attend, he sent a video message congratulating graduates, staff, family, and friends for their hard work and dedication to changing their career paths. Both senators support the Charleston Job Corps Center by having local representatives serve on the center's Community Relations and Center Industry Councils.

Center Director Curtis Price congratulated graduates, staff, community leaders, and supporters for participating in National Job Corps Commencement Day. He stated, "Today is the first day of your life's journey. Go forward with the skills you learned at the Charleston Job Corps Center to begin your career and education path that will lead to a brighter future."

Local business leaders attended the ceremony at Charleston Job Corps Center to support a program that benefits the local economy. The average Job Corps center supports 228 local jobs, and every dollar invested in Job Corps returns almost $2 to the local economy. Nationally, the 125 Job Corps centers support about 30,000 jobs, the vast majority of which are with private businesses.

Local community members that have worked with Job Corps volunteers also joined the celebration to congratulate many of their student volunteers. Job Corps students and staff work with local community-based organizations and nonprofits, logging many hours of volunteer service every year. For example, Charleston Job Corps students work with Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club, Charleston Community and Family Development Corporation, YWCA Sojourner's Women's Shelter, Habitat for Humanity, and East End Family Resource Center to provide needed services to the Charleston Community.

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Reaching Out

The Charleston Job Corps Center hosted a Pastoral Breakfast on August 10, 2012 for the local pastors in the area to gain support in the center's plan to serve more West Virginia students. The center is aggressively working to utilize resources and outreach efforts to allow more local students to take advantage of the academic and career technical training opportunities at the Charleston Job Corps Center. If you or someone you know is a West Virginia youth between the ages of 16-24 and in need of academic or career technical training, Charleston Job Corps encourages you to contact our Outreach and Admissions team at (304) 414-4437.

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Working to Eradicate Hunger

Students and staff from the Charleston Job Corps Center united with Huntington Food Bank at the Charleston Civic Center during the Southern Legislature Conference (SLC) on Sunday, July 29, 2012, to fill boxes of food for those less-fortunate and recently hit by severe storms in the area. Students and staff worked the assembly line with volunteers from various organizations and elected officials of various states to box 20,000 bags of food. Delegate Rick Thompson (Wayne, District 17), Speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates, awarded checks of $1,000 to Huntington Food Bank, Mountaineer Food Bank, and Outreach Inc.

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Responsible Fatherhood

Charleston Job Corps Center hosted Carl Chadband, Chief Operation Officer of Kanawha Institute for Social Research & Action, Inc. (KISRA) and CJCC Community Relations Council member. Mr. Chadband addressed all male students at a student assembly on June 14, 2012, on the topic: Responsible Fatherhood in honor of Father's Day. He stated, "We believe that fathering is forever." Several male students participated in a demonstration regarding the qualities of a good man/woman. Mr. Chadband also informed the students that he is a former Charleston Job Corps graduate and told them about the success he has achieved.

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George Mason University

Charleston Job Corps Center hosted eight students and two facilitators from George Mason University (GMU) to conduct Conflict Resolution Training with Student Leadership. The GMU School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution (S-CAR) is committed to interrupting cycles of violence through rigorous academic programs and innovative work in a new and developing field.

Students from GMU utilized their training and skills of how to address deep-rooted conflicts and work toward resolutions at the interpersonal, community/organizational, and international level with training CJCC student leaders. CJCC student Champagne Hill stated, "I learned how to resolve conflict without being confrontational." Several students commented that the "storyboard" exercises of how to deal with life situations were beneficial to their training.

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Safety Is Priority!

Charleston Job Corps Center observed Universal Safety Week, June 11-15, 2012. Guest speaker Alisha Samples, Lieutenant Paramedic for the Charleston Fire Department, spoke at the community student assembly on June 11, 2012, to staff and students. Ms. Samples spoke of the importance of using smoke detectors, proper usage of extension cords (especially during the holidays), the dangers of carbon monoxide, and the recommendation against using candles.

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"Yes You Can" Conference

Charleston Job Corps Center held a "Yes You Can" conference on May 29, 2012, to support student retention. Thirty-three students went to the John XXIII Pastoral Center, in Charleston, West Virginia, for an all-day retention conference.

Carl Chadband of KISRA spoke on "Overcoming Barriers"; Mary Halen of BB&T and John Rymer of the West Virginia Division of Personnel spoke on "What Employers are Looking For"; Carl Lee with Community Outreach spoke on "Personal and Social Responsibility"; Sandra Blaney, owner of San's Hair Loft and Don Juan Staples, owner of Don Juan Barbershop, held workshops on small business ownership.

Center staff conducted workshops in the afternoon, and two former students spoke with the group as well on how Job Corps changed their lives. The day was filled with positive information, motivation, and words of wisdom to encourage student success and retention. Students were able to receive several gift certificates and gift baskets, and tie donations were received from Estep the Nu Look.

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Mayor's Breakfast

Charleston Job Corps Center welcomed local mayors on May 23, 2012, for a Mayor's Informational Breakfast with center staff. Mayors in attendance were the Honorable Dick Callaway of St. Albans, Honorable Rusty Casto of Nitro, and Deputy Mayor Rod Blackstone of Charleston. The purpose of the meeting was to share information with the local mayors about center changes, requirements, and opportunities for West Virginian youth to take advantage of the academic and career technical training offered at the center. A tour of the center was also provided. The mayors and center staff worked together to engage students in opportunities for work-based learning and community service projects in the local area.

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Page last updated: Wednesday, May 08, 2013