On March 27, Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Business Community Liaison Jimmie Wilson headed to Capitol Hill to visit with US senators and representatives and their staff. The purpose of the visit was to share with elected officials the positive impact that Perkins Job Corps has on the students it serves, the local community and its economy, and the dedicated people who are employed at the center. Also discussed were the need for continued government support of the Job Corps program and the best practices model used by Insights Training Group and Horizons Youth Services that offers life and social skills programs that enhance the vocational training students receive at Job Corps and better prepare students for today’s competitive workplace.

Wilson and BCLs from other Kentucky Job Corps centers visited the offices of Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul and Representatives Hal Rogers, John Yarmuth and James Comer before attending a special reception that was part of the National Job Corps Association’s 2019 Policy Forum.

The Women’s Club of Charleston held its monthly General Membership Luncheon on April 3, 2019 at the clubhouse with over 50 women attending. This month the Arts & Education Committee was in charge of the meeting. Member Tia Welch, committee chair requested two students from the Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) to assist following the meeting. Tia Welch was the previous Business Community Liaison for Charleston Job Corps Center.

Guest Speaker for the event was Kathy McKinley, Director of Community Relations, Goodwill Industries of Kanawha Valley.

The meeting included a catered lunch by Wellington’s, voting for new board members, culinary and art sale. Ladies attending were asked to bring boxes of cereal to donate to Manna Meal and 70 boxes were donated.

After the luncheon, a short business meeting was held. During this time Olivia Libby and Samantha Gragg, Office Administration students from Charleston Job Corps Center were on hand to help the kitchen committee by running the dishwasher, clearing tables and assisting the attendees to gain community service. Students were introduced to the ladies and received applause for their help and support.

Women’s Club of Charleston is a proud member of General Federation of Women’s Clubs.

Community Service

David Harris, from Louisville, Kentucky, stopped by Muhlenberg Job Corps to give an important message. His message to the CDL students was “stay the course.”   David explained to the enrolled students that his time at Muhlenberg Job Corps was so worth the hard work and effort. David started in November of 2016 in the Heavy Equipment Operation program at MJCC. David then moved on to Muhlenberg’s Welding program where David earned his welding certification.  David said after he finished the Heavy Equipment Operation and the Welding program, he about went home, but he was so glad that he chose to stay and get his CDL. David said, “The years on the Muhlenberg Job Corps campus helped me to grow up and mature.”

David now works for Panther Premium Logistics. Panther is one of the largest, most diverse ground fleets in the industry. Panther Premium Logistics has a ground expedited service and this is David’s department in which he works. Panther has a company statement that states “Panther Premium Logistics delivers your time-sensitive, mission-critical and high-value freight with speed and precision. We provide door-to-door premium logistics services 24/7/365 — solving even the toughest shipping and logistics challenges.”

Muhlenberg Job Corps wants to thank David Harris for his time at Muhlenberg Job Corps and hopes he has many more years on the road.

Lewis Woodward CDL Instructor, David Harris, Scottie Brooks CDL Instructor

Kassidy Cobb, a 16 year old Muhlenberg county girl, noticed a need for cemetery preservation a couple of years ago. Kassidy, who loves her community, felt the utmost historical importance for cleaning up a few cemeteries was a good idea. She noticed a few of them were overgrown by weeds, brambles, and low-lying vegetation due to years of neglect. It was then brought to her attention that Job Corps, also very community oriented, has workers and machinery and they might want to be a part of the cemetery preservation project.

Nick Toomey, MJCC Hard Trade Manager, and Charles Wiseman, MJCC Foundation Instructor, wasted no time assembling a work crew for the Hayden Cemetery project. Charles, and several students, worked cleaning all the weeds, high grass and overgrown bushes from the site. The crew then worked on straightening up graves stones and leveled a few that were about to topple over to the ground. Next Marty Wabnitz, MJCC Welding Instructor, designed a new sign for the cemetery. His students spent three days building the new sign for Hayden Cemetery. The Heavy Equipment Operation class at Muhlenberg Job Corps took an afternoon and erected the sign at the entrance of the cemetery. Then Scottie Brooks, CDL Instructor, went to work with his students putting down new rock around the road of Hayden Cemetery. Once finished, Kassidy and Muhlenberg Job Corps, felt that the cemetery preservation of Hayden Cemetery was a successful project that helped clean up our amazing community a little more in its appearance.

Picture from L to R: Scottie Brooks CDL Instructor, Jan Montalvo student, Francisco Nunez student, Alexander Huddleston student, Brenden Doll student, Charles Wiseman Foundation Instructor, Dustin Jones student, Kassidy Cobb Head of the Cemetery Preservation Projects

Center Director, Pete LaFleur, brought more than just a storied career in Job Corps, he also brought his passion for the skill of gardening. 2019 brings the third year of Pete’s Gardening Club at Muhlenberg Job Corps. Each year, the number of students has increased in the Gardening Club. The size of the club is not the only thing growing, Pete stated this year’s garden would be 39’ by 53’ with a 10’ by 20’ raised garden.

Pete uses the skill and knowledge of gardening as a teachable moment. The art of gardening is something that has seemed to have faded away from this generation; therefore, being able to teach our youth this skill is very rewarding Pete stated. Pete also said it is also a way to build relationships with the students. Pete emphasized, “You really get to know your students while working in the garden.”  First year Garden Club member, Katherine Gardiner, a student at Muhlenberg Job Corps, said, “I like to be outdoors and I love that my hands help build, prepare, and harvest from the garden.”

This year’s garden will have Butternut squash, Acorn squash, Spaghetti squash, Cantaloupe, Zucchini (green), Zucchini (yellow), Cucumbers, green beans, peas, sunflowers, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, dill, oregano, cilantro, and basil.  MJCC is planting seeds in the student’s life and in the garden.

Muhlenberg Job Corps Students and Center Director Pete LaFleur

John Austin Heavy Equipment Instructor

On the April 8^th, Melinda Gibbons Prunty, State Representative of 15^th District, swung by Muhlenberg Job Corps for a meeting.  Rep. Gibbons Prunty met with Brian Hancock, the new Business Community Liaison at Muhlen­berg Job Corps Center. One thing he wanted to discuss was how to assist students better who age out of foster care. Rep. Gibbons Prunty was able to meet student Elsa Lucas, a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) student from Russell Springs, KY.  Elsa Lucas is a lovely young woman, who obviously has great potential. Elsa had aged out of foster care right before coming to Muhlenberg Job Corps, but she hasn’t let that deter her from working hard and learning her skill. Brian discussed with Rep Gibbons Prunty on how he has been working closely with the Cabinet of Health & Family Services, and Rep. Gibbons Prunty assured him of her support for anything she could do to assist these students.

State Representative Melinda Gibbons Prunty & Elsa Lucas

Muhlenberg Job Corps on April 9 hosted approximately 400 area students who toured the center and learned about the educational and job training opportunities offered both on and off campus through Muhlenberg Job Corps. The 8th grade classes at both North and South Middle Schools as well as 45 students from Muhlenberg County High School visited the center that day and saw firsthand the training Job Corps students receive through the center’s career technical training programs.

Muhlenberg Job Corps student Ivan Clark talks with middle school students during the center tour.

Charleston Job Corps students tour a local university as a part of the Career Transition class activities. Many students have found their way to college from a simple visit.  Students in the CTR class have completed their trade of choice and are looking for opportunities to increase their value.  Many may decide to enter the military or find employment in their trade area, however, many find that they are now looking to move forward in the education arena.  Job Corps, in many instances, help students to regain confidence and focus in an attempt to better their future plans.  Many attend as a result of losing their way while attending traditional schools.  After they realize the importance of an education, Job Corps fuels the instinct of becoming a better version of themselves which leads to more dedication and higher education.Pictured you will see the students on the campus.  Several have indicated as a result of this visit, that they are planning to enroll in college after completing their tenure with Job Corps.

In acknowledgement of Earth Day, Charleston Job Corps partners with Tom Toliver and the West Virginia State University Land Grant Extension to aid in preparation for the new community garden on Charleston’s West Side on April 22.  Students from student government association and youth to youth groups gave of themselves to provide assistance for the day.  After completing the assignment, students returned to the campus to assist in the center-wide clean-up and beautification projects.  Students and staff were all participants of cleaning and planting flowers along the center.  Earth Day is a day of political action and civic participation and is led by the Earth Day Network.  People march, sign petitions, meet with their elected officials, plant trees, clean-up their towns and roads. Corporations and governments use it to make pledges and announce sustainability measures.  Faith leaders, including Pope Francis, connect Earth Day with protecting God’s greatest creations, humans, biodiversity and the planet that we all live on.

The 3rd annual YWCA Race to End Racism, presented by TransCanada Corporation, is a 5K Run/1 Mile Walk on Charleston’s West Side on Saturday, April 27, 2019.Charleston Job Corps Center participated with a team of four members who were Dyesha Lee, Taveon Newby, Shenethea Mangrum and Nancy Shepherd.  This event is scheduled each year to focus on eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

Students from Charleston Job Corps Center volunteered at the March of Dimes, March for babies on April 28.The March for Babies is a fundraiser of which the monies raised are used to expand programs and education for medical professionals to make sure that moms and babies get the best possible care.  With your March, you advocate for policies that prioritize their health.  You fund research to find solutions to the biggest health threats and you support moms through every stage of the pregnancy journey, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan.   When joining the march, you stand with thousands of people across the country who share your commitment to building a brighter future for us all.At Charleston Job Corps, all students have the opportunity to participate in community service.  Charleston Job Corps has been a valued volunteer source to the Central Southern WV March of Dimes for many years

200 hours of clinical work.   Renne Adzadu will continue to obtain her NELDA which is 100 additional hours. The certifications received were as follows:  ICE – received on April 10, AMP – received on April 23, RHS – received on March 29, and all completed the OSHA HIPPA and CPR certifications. During the Monday morning business meeting, each student was presented their white coats and congratulated for a job well done.  Congrats to our Dental Trade!!!

Peter LaFleur, Center Director of Muhlenberg Job Corps, heads up the fishing club on campus. The club travels around Kentucky looking for places to cast a lure. The first trip of the season took place at the Kentucky Lake Dam.  Peter, who is a very experienced fisherman, said that he loves teaching his club members about the art of fishing.  Dalandiss Wilson stated that he enjoys trips, the fishing, and getting to spend time with staff, along with friends.

Students from L to R: Matt Head, Mike Coble, Charles Munson, & Dalandiss Wilson

Whitney Young Job Corps Y2Y student ambassadors and Parks and Recreational Director Chris Truelock are excited about a new partnership to benefit the community – WMYJCC adopts Simpsonville Park. During the spring, summer and fall months, students will volunteer once a month to keep the park clean, and make repairs to the park facility. In addition there are great community events that the students will be involved with such as the Fourth of July community event, farmers market, parade and the fall festival. Students will have the opportunity to use their creative talents and make floats for the parade.

The partnership with the city of Simpsonville also offers work-based learning opportunities for the building construction technology students as well.

At the Whitney Young Job Corps Center, Brandon Savage, talent acquisition specialist with NIKE gave a powerful presentation to students about the importance of branding one’s self and the history of NIKE’s successful marketing campaign. Students were informed that patience, persistence and a positive outlook are vital in today’s workforce especially when you are building a brand or name for yourself. Another important aspect to building your brand is maintaining consistency and commitment to the core values and principles that drives your purpose. For example at NIKE, employees are called athletes, because NIKE believes every human being is an athlete.

Savage informed the students about an internship program that NIKE has at its headquarters in Oregon. However while students are in their career technical training, Savage encouraged students to work part-time at the outlet mall for leisure time employment, being only 5 miles from the center. Savage is looking forward to partnering with WMYJCC more on a regular basis to help give back to the community which is a core value of the NIKE brand.

National Denim Day, April 24, provided students and staff with a platform to call attention to and take a stand against sexual assault. Students and staff wore denims and white or teal to show solidarity of supporting victims of sexual offenses. In addition students made teal flags to line along the entrance drive of the center to bring awareness to the cause.

Guest speaker Morgan Rumble gave a presentation on sexual assault and human trafficking saying both are especially common in town and cities when they are hosing big events. The campaign against sexual assault awareness concluded with a candle light vigil on April 29.

Building Construction Technology trade student Malcolm Hill enjoys being janitorial supervisor at the Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass. General Manager, Debbie Griesinger, said she was impressed with Malcolm’s demeanor, flexibility, commitment and leadership and considered him an ideal match for the position. She also stated his even-tempered manner and 100% attendance record are huge pluses. Malcolm enjoys leading the staff on what to do for the day and making sure everything is done. The best part of the position according to Malcolm is “testing myself to follow through with the tasks of the day”. Hill is responsible for light fixtures repairs, restroom maintenance, cleanliness throughout the shopping area and of course paper work.

Thanks to the Work-Based Learning opportunity Malcolm is able to work full time and save for an apartment and transportation for when he graduates from the Job Corps program.

From January 6 -September 29, 2017, Olajuwan didn’t waste any time building his skill level while at Muhlenberg Job Corps. In those nine months, Olajuwan said that he built a career and learned several new personal skills that have helped him become successful. Olajuwan now works for Big G Express in Shelbyville, TN. He said that he enjoys his new career and enjoys his paycheck even better. Olajuwan stated he still lives at home and is saving his money to build himself a new house. He said these are also some of the skills that he learned while at Muhlenberg Job Corps. Muhlenberg Job Corps would like to thank Olajuwan Vance Meredith for his dedication to job corps and its CDL program.

CDL Instructor Lewis Woodward, former student Olajuwan Meredith & CDL Instructor Scottie Brooks

The Taste of Muhlenberg event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Muhlenberg. The Rotary Club is a nonprofit organization that has annual fundraising events and service projects. The funds raised are then donated into the local community benefiting; 4-H Backpack Program, Family Resource Center, Special Olympics, high school scholarships, Opportunity Center, Bremen Park, Wellness Center, High School Culinary Arts, High School Band, Lu Ray Park and the 911 Memorial at the Court House.

This year’s event took place on April 29th at the Muhlenberg High School’s West Campus. It was even bigger and better than last year’s event, having around 500 in attendance. Participants included Pizza Plus, Shae’s Sno Shack, El Bracero, Arby’s, Brothers BBQ, Casey’s General Store, Crossroads Cafe, Gray’s Front Porch, Huddle House, MCHS Culinary, Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital Cafe, Ole South BBQ and Pelilire Catering.

Muhlenberg Job Corps looks forward to getting a corporate table every year to help support the local community. Armand Planter said, “The jazz band that was playing during the event, really helped usher in the atmosphere for the evening.”

Amy Kline Administrative Assistant, Armand Planter, Crystal Raudales, Eva Morales, Damion Douglas

Charonda Fletcher, age 18, completes her CMA career technical training in 8 months at Whitney Young Job Corps and lands a position with U of L Physicians Outpatient Center in Louisville, KY. Ms. Fletcher heard about Job Corps from a family friend and was skeptical at first, but after speaking with an Outreach and Admissions representative, she decided to give it a try. In only 8 months Ms. Fletcher earned several credentials to help to secure a position in the medical industry and her high school diploma. While at the Whitney Young Job Corps Center, Ms. Fletcher received tremendous hands on training via the Work Based Learning hours.

Fletcher recalls the first time she had to draw blood, she considered taking another trade, as she did not think she was capable of doing it, but thanks to the supportive staff and mentorship she looks forward to drawing blood from patients everyday and is good at it too. Coming to Whitney Young Job Corps gave Ms. Fletcher the practice and confidence to take on her new position with the U of L Physicians Outpatient Center. She was a dorm leader and dorm president and enjoyed volunteering at various activities off campus.

Now Ms. Fletcher is beginning a career in the healthcare industry that will help to provide for her and her family which is better than the fast food environment that she had prior to the career technical training she received at Whitney Young Job Corps. Congratulations Ms. Fletcher!