BUSINESS INSIDER
Kayln Good/ES Museum Co-Host Luncheon
City promotes community
Elms Hotel Sponsors Holiday Meal; Chamber Awards
United Fiber introduces Smart Town Initiative
Job Corps program is changing lives
The Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center has been in operation since March 9, 1966, origionally to an all female student body. In 1974 the campus became co-ed.
“Job Corps is a program for changing lives, training young people, and preparing them for the future,” said Lori, Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center Director. “A year ago we were not sure we would be here today, but thanks to support from you in this room and Congress, Job Corps gets to carry on with fully funded training.”
She talked about what’s happening at Job Corps, in addition to the Center getting “more and more students”. March 31st will be the Community Relations meeting. In May the Center will be holding Graduation in Kansas City. The Center will host an Open House in the fall.
Lori introduced Keith White, Education Training Resource (ETR) Director.
“Job Corps is different everywhere you go. They are not all operated the same, but we try to do the same work. We have the same mission. Success comes down to the students,” said Keith. “The community here was outstanding in its support when it was needed. Thank you on behalf of ETR.”
Lori said, “Another lesson we learned during this time period was how important the student stories are. It is the students that bring the heart to the program.”
Job Corps Student Guest Speakers Giovani Gallardo and Janviere Nishimwe.
Two students were invited to share their stories. Janviere Nishimwe spoke first. She is a CMA student whose journey began in Zimbabwe. “From a young age I knew I wanted to help addicts. Especially in communities where health care is scarce.”
When her family relocated to the United States, a friend told her about Job Corps and she felt it would work to help her reach her goals: To develop a career path, earn her high school diploma to increase her opportunities, and prepare herself so that she can have a secure job. She said Job Corps has helped teach her how to work hard and how to work smart.
“I am grateful to be part of this community and it has brought me closer to my goals.
Giovani talked about his journey. When he was 18 years of age, his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia. “I could not find anything to do there and was not motivated. I couldn’t find myself in anything I did. I learned about Job Corps through a friend,” said Giovania. “I bacame a Job Corps student at the Morganfield, Kentucky Center.”
Giovania had three interests he thought he might pursue … CMA, culinary, and welding. He tested well for the welding program. He shared that the program taught him leadership, self worth and respect for people. He finished his welding career and then transfered to Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center with an interest in the TCU program so that he could remain creative in his job opportunities.
“I found out how integral all of you were to keeping Job Corps open,” said Giovania. “Excelsior Springs is a place where I could settle down. This place is amazing. I am 2nd Shift Foreman and Seargeant-at-Arms. I am very grateful to be where I am.”