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JEFF DAVIS COUNTY Chesley Woods, ITA Program Chesley Woods was enrolled in the WIOA ITA program in October 2022. He was attending Southeastern Technical College’s Associate of Science Degree in Nursing (ASN) program. He had recently been laid off and needed financial assistance to help with the expense of continuing school. WIOA was able to help cover the cost of tuition, books, exam fees, and uniforms. He also received transportation stipends to help with the cost of traveling back and forth to school and clinical sites. Chesley worked very hard and completed the ASN program with a 3.20 GPA. We are so proud of him for his accomplishments and can’t wait to see him continue to reach his goals. Chesley had this to say about his experience in the WIOA program. “WIOA was first mentioned to me during my first semester of nursing school. I applied and was accepted and began to reap the benefits of this program. WIOA has been a huge blessing to me and many others in my nursing cohort. I was able to focus more intently on my studies rather than worrying how I would be able to cover the cost of attending. My friends all joke with me regarding how often I talk about WIOA and share with other new and incoming students about how much the program has helped me and how it can help them too. I can now say I have successfully graduated from STC with my Associate of Science Degree in Nursing. I am incredibly thankful for WIOA and all the wonderful women who worked with me. Thank you all so much for helping me reach a huge milestone in my life. I will continue recommending WIOA to any prospective student I speak with in the future.” Previous Next < Back JANUARY 2024

MONTGOMERY COUNTY Jailee Hanner, Youth Program Jailee Hanner enrolled in the WIOA Youth Program in February 2022 as an 11th grader at Coastal Plains Charter School. She needed assistance with graduating high school and gaining work experience. During her time in the program, she participated in Basic Skills Training and the Youth Work Experience Program. Her goal was to graduate high school and become a professional dancer. Vidalia Ballet was already an established worksite and was more than happy to have Jailee work there. Jailee received her high school diploma in December 2023 and continues to work and volunteer at the same dance studio. Jailee had this to say about her time in the WIOA program. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to be in the WIOA program. I am from a rural underserved area, and this grant allowed me to gain work experience and obtain skills that will assist me in future endeavors that I otherwise would not have been able to do.” We are so proud of Jailee and the accomplishments that she has achieved. Previous Next < Back MARCH 2024

TREUTLEN COUNTY Payton Graham, Youth Program Payton Graham is a 16 year old from Treutlen County. He was a high school dropout when he enrolled in WIOA in 2019. Payton lives with his grandmother and brother. With the help of WIOA, he has actively attended Adult Education classes at Southeastern Technical College and has just received his GED! He has also completed Occupational Skills Training and participated in the Youth Work Experience Program. Payton plans to attend college and is interested in pursuing a career as a Social Worker. Payton said, "The WIOA program has really helped me with my learning experience. I would have never thought that I would have completed and received my GED. If it wasn't for the amazing support I received from the staff at Job Training Unlimited, I would not have made it this far. The program is awesome, and I am very grateful to be a part of it." Previous Next < Back JANUARY 2021

CANDLER COUNTY DAS North America, Inc. One Stop Candler County is in the process of welcoming its newest industrial partner, DAS North America, Inc. DAS specializes in the design and manufacturing of seating systems, safety seating components, and seating structures. They are a major supplier for Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia and Hyundai Motor Group. Candler County’s close proximity to the new Hyundai Metaplant made Metter a prime location for the new DAS manufacturing facility, thus creating employment opportunities for residents in Metter and its surrounding counties. The facility is located in the Candler County Industrial Authority right off I-16. DAS began their hiring process for the Metter site earlier this year. The WorkSource Heart of Georgia WIOA service provider, Job Training Unlimited, along with other community and industry partners, were proud to organize and host a five-day, multi-county hiring event to assist with the application and interview process. Residents from Candler, Evans, Emanuel, Tattnall, and Toombs counties had the opportunity to meet with the DAS management/HR team who conducted on-site interviews throughout the week. There was a tremendous response and interest in each county, resulting in a total of 713 applications being submitted for employment with DAS during that week alone. We are truly grateful for everyone who played a part in making this a successful week of hiring. The sponsors included: Heart of Georgia Altamaha Regional Commission, DAS North America, Candler County Industrial Authority, Georgia Grown Innovation Center, Southeastern Technical College, City of Metter, City of Claxton, City of Reidsville, and Job Training Unlimited. Currently, DAS has hired many of the management staff who will be overseeing operations at the Metter site and will continue to hire more employees through the end of 2024. “The staff of Job Training Unlimited provided DAS of North America with the expertise and resources to help us conduct hiring events in five counties. The week-long hiring event was a huge success. DAS North America appreciates the hard work provided by all staff of Job Training Unlimited.” – Tracy Woods, HR DAS North America. “DAS NA will be opening a plant soon in Metter, GA. The WIOA played a major role in the success of our five-county job fair. We really appreciate them for their support and hospitality.” – Acquanetta Hunter, HR DAS North America. Previous Next < Back MAY 2024

BLECKLEY COUNTY Dylan Wynter, ITA Program Dylan Wynter was enrolled in the WIOA ITA program in October 2022. He was attending Middle Georgia State University’s Aviation Maintenance Tech Program. He was unemployed and actively looking for work but had been unsuccessful. Dylan needed additional assistance fulfilling the financial burden of continuing with his college career. WIOA helped cover the cost of tuition, books, fees, testing, uniforms, and transportation. Dylan graduated with honors and was a Dean’s List Scholar. After graduation, he passed all the required testing to earn his license as an Aviation Maintenance Technician. Dylan has recently accepted a job with Delta, and we are so proud of all his achievements. Dylan had this to say about being in the WIOA Program. “Throughout my studies, WIOA assisted me with the funds to help with tuition, books, and much more during unemployment times. Without WIOA, I wouldn’t have been able to receive my A&P license in such a quick manner.” Previous Next < Back APRIL 2024

TATTNALL COUNTY Ashlyn Waters, Youth Program Ashlyn Waters, of Tattnall County, came to Job Training Unlimited after graduating from high school because she needed assistance to enroll and attend college. After working with her WIOA Case Manager to plan and set objectives that would help her achieve her educational and employment goals, she decided to attend Georgia Southern University with the hopes of earning a degree in Marketing. While in the WIOA program, Ashlyn participated in Youth Work Experience and also completed Occupational Skills Training. When Adult WIOA funding came available, Ashlyn was co-enrolled in the ITA program. Through the ITA program, she received financial assistance with tuition, books, supplies, and transportation. In December 2023, Ashlyn graduated with a 3.4 GPA from Georgia Southern and a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing. She has since accepted the position of Marketing Manager at Jincy’s Southern Exchange. We are very proud of Ashlyn and all of her accomplishments. Ashlyn says, “I’m very thankful for the opportunity and resources this program has provided me.” Previous Next < Back FEBRUARY 2024

MONTGOMERY COUNTY Jennifer West, Youth Program ​ Jennifer West is a 22-year-old Out of School Youth from Montgomery County. She lives with her mother and helps her as much as she can. Jennifer was enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Youth Program in October 2018 because she needed assistance to attend Adult Education classes and obtain her GED. Jennifer has worked very hard and so far has passed 3 out of the 4 parts of the GED Exam. She completed Occupational Skills Certification and plans to enroll in college to pursue a degree as a Pharmacy Technician once she obtains her GED. We are so proud of Jennifer and all she has done to achieve her goals! Jennifer says, “I have enjoyed working with the WIOA program very much. It has taught me many things such as learning to be responsible with my money. The program has given me hope that I will get into college.” Previous Next < Back NOVEMBER 2020

TELFAIR COUNTY Pamela Bradshaw, ITA Program Pamela Bradshaw, a resident of Telfair County, was an employee of Husqvarna when the company closed in 2019. While attending one of the Rapid Response meetings, she learned about the opportunities provided through the WIOA Individual Training Accounts (ITA) program. At that time, Pamela decided to attend Oconee Fall Line Technical College for Business Management. She was enrolled in the WIOA ITA program on December 10, 2019. During her participation in the WIOA program, Pamela received supportive service payments that enabled her to attend training. She successfully completed the program with a 3.90 GPA and earned an Associates Degree in Business Management. After completing training, Pamala has obtained a full-time position with Warner Robins AFB. Pamela had this to say about the WIOA program: “When my employer of almost 30 years closed, I felt as though my world had turned upside down, and I did not know what direction to go. WIOA provided me the opportunity to better myself. I have been able to go back into the workforce with pride and newly acquired skills and knowledge. I would not have been able to accomplish this goal without the help and support of WIOA and their wonderful staff." Previous Next < Back MAY 2022

JOHNSON COUNTY Alton Rawlings, One Stop Career Center Alton Rawlings has been job searching for a couple of months at the Johnson County One Stop. He completed two job applications with the help of the resource specialist, Dianne Foskey. One of those applications was at Family Dollar. Alton received a call back that he was selected for the position, and he started the job Monday, April 10, 2023. Alton says,” Mrs. Foskey helped me successfully find this job, and she is great at her job and is very professional. I am very thankful for the WIOA program and Job Training Unlimited and the services they offer to my area.” Previous Next < Back JUNE 2023

WHEELER COUNTY Rancelyn Evans, Youth Program Rancelyn Evans enrolled in the WIOA Youth Program in January 2020 as a 9th-grade Wheeler County High School student. She needed assistance to find employment and graduate high school. During her time in the WIOA program, she participated in Occupational Skills Training and the Youth Work Experience Program (WEX). Her goal was to graduate high school and attend college to become either a veterinarian or a teacher. Through the WEX program, she was able to work at both a veterinarian clinic and a school to see firsthand what a career in either field would look like. During her senior year, she decided to dual enroll at Southeastern Technical College to jump-start her post-secondary education. Rancelyn will graduate high school this month. She has been a pleasure to work with, and we are very proud of her accomplishments. Rancelyn had this to say about the WIOA Youth Program, “I have really enjoyed being in the WIOA program. It has allowed me to gain work experience, which has given me the chance to become more self-sufficient. I am very thankful for all they have done for me." Previous Next < Back MAY 2023

WAYNE COUNTY Darian Love, ITA Program ​ While working part-time as a secretary, Darian Love of Jesup, also attended Coastal College of Georgia in the Early Childhood and Special Education Program. She found herself in need of additional assistance with the cost of tuition and applied for WIOA assistance through Job Training Unlimited. After being accepted into the WIOA ITA Program, Darian continued in her program of study, graduated with honors, and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in May 2020. Due to her hard work and dedication, Darian was offered a teaching position at Odum Elementary School, where she completed her Student Teaching. She is pictured above in her classroom. “The WIOA Program was a tremendous help during my college career. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education. This program allowed me to dedicate myself to my program and graduate with honors. It also helped with the purchase of books, school supplies, and provided me with support payments to assist with the cost of transportation on the days I attended school. I am thankful that I was chosen to be a part of this program. It has allowed me to reach my full potential and begin my career.” Previous Next < Back MARCH 2022

EMANUEL COUNTY Bertie Marsh, One Stop Customer The Emanuel County One-Stop staff assisted Mrs. Bertie Marsh with completing job applications, job searching, and checking her email. Mrs. Bertie was interested in applying for a position working with the 2020 US Census. She visited the One-Stop, and the staff helped her complete the online application. After going through all the steps, she was hired. Mrs. Bertie said, “I really appreciate everything the One-Stop staff has helped me with, and I would recommend anyone in need of a job or other assistance to visit one of the One-Stop locations.” Previous Next < Back DECEMBER 2020

JEFF DAVIS COUNTY Tia Kornegay, ITA Program ​ Tia Kornegay, of Jeff Davis County, successfully completed the WIOA Youth Program in August of 2017 and continued to work and attend South Georgia State College to earn her Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate. Tia began working as a CNA while still attending South Georgia State College, working towards her goal of becoming a Registered Nurse. In August of 2018, after being accepted into the Registered Nursing Program, Tia knew that she would need additional financial assistance to cover her school costs and applied for and was enrolled into the WIOA ITA Program. While in the WIOA ITA Program, Tia continued working part-time when possible and focusing on her studies. Being determined to reach her goals, Tia overcame many struggles, including the abrupt global changes and challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. She graduated with an Associates of Nursing Degree and began her career as a Registered Nurse. Tia was always a pleasure to work with, and it was a joy to watch her grow throughout her college journey. She shares her story below. “I started my program of study in Nursing in the Fall of 2018, which is also the time I signed up with WIOA. The program took me two years to complete, and with the help of WIOA, I was able to afford to travel back and forth to class throughout the week, along with the expenses such as books, uniforms, etc. Without the help of this program, I probably would have had to work more hours to cover my school expenses, which would have ultimately taken away the time I could have spent studying. Therefore, I am thankful for the program and how it has helped me throughout the years of my college journey.” Congratulations Tia, we are so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments! Previous Next < Back MAY 2021

TREUTLEN COUNTY Miranda Phillips, ITA Program Miranda Phillips, resident of Treutlen County, was attending Oconee Fall Line Technical College’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program when enrolled in the WIOA Program. She was unemployed due to being laid off from her previous employer. With the lack of income, the financial burden of completing school was overwhelming. She needed assistance from WIOA to help with tuition, supplies, and transportation costs of driving back and forth to clinicals. Miranda graduated with an Associate’s degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography in December 2022 with a 3.49 GPA and has since passed her state board exam. She has accepted a full time position at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, Ga. We are very proud of Miranda and her accomplishments. Miranda shared her experience by saying, “I don’t know what I would have done without the WIOA program. It helped me by supplying the transportation stipends for gas back and forth to clinical sites and to school each week. They also paid for my state board exams and helped buy other necessary supplies I needed for my program. I will forever be grateful for WIOA”. Previous Next < Back FEBRUARY 2023