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EVANS COUNTY Natalie Willis, Youth Program Natalie Willis, a native of Evans County, was enrolled in the WIOA Out-of-School Youth program in 2020 after graduating high school. Natalie needed assistance to attend college and find employment that would work around her school schedule. She was interested in the Surgical Tech program at Ogeechee Technical College. With the help and support of WIOA, Natalie enrolled in classes at OTC and began her journey through post-secondary education. While attending school full-time, Natalie also participated in the WIOA Youth Work Experience Program, which helped her earn money to pay for her college expenses. In 2021, Ogeechee Technical College removed the Surgical Tech program from the school’s curriculum. Natalie was faced with the difficulty of deciding whether to transfer to another school or choose a new career path. After counseling in conjunction with her WIOA case manager and her OTC advisor, Natalie decided to continue her education at Ogeechee Technical College and applied to the Dental Hygiene Program. After she finished her internship with Reidsville Family Dentistry and East Georgia Oral Surgery, Natalie completed the Dental Hygiene Program in July of 2022. Natalie has worked very hard to achieve her goals and because of her dedication, Natalie was offered a full-time position at East Georgia Oral Surgery after graduation! We share our congratulations on her educational and career accomplishments! Natalie has been very appreciative of the assistance she received from WIOA, “Through being on the WIOA Program I have learned how to be prepared for work and school, and to work hard. With the money I earned, I was able to pay for my living expenses so that I could attend school. I wouldn’t have been able to finish college if it wasn’t for the help from WIOA and my Case Manager.” Previous Next < Back AUGUST 2022

TELFAIR COUNTY Madison Harris, ITA Program Madison Harris enrolled in the WIOA program in January 2023. She was working part-time while attending Coastal Pines Technical College full-time in the Radiologic Technology Program. She needed additional assistance fulfilling the financial burden of attending college. WIOA covered the cost of testing, uniforms, fees, and transportation. Madison worked diligently and earned her Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology. Madison had this to say about her time in the WIOA program. “I heard about the WIOA program from one of my instructors at school, and the program has helped me tremendously. I live in Lumber City, Georgia, and was driving an hour one way, five days a week, to either class or clinicals. Driving this much made it very difficult money-wise having to put so much gas in my car. If it hadn’t been for the WIOA program, I would have definitely struggled way more and may have possibly not been able to finish attending school. The help I received paying for gas, uniforms, school fees, and testing was a huge part of how I was able to complete school and earn my degree.” Previous Next < Back DECEMBER 2023

LAURENS COUNTY Bridgette Graham Edge, ITA Program Bridgette Graham Edge was enrolled in the WIOA ITA Program in February 2021. She was attending Coastal Georgia Technical College pursuing a degree in Nursing. She had recently lost her job and needed financial assistance with the program's costs. WIOA helped cover the expense of tuition, books, supplies, testing fees, and transportation. Bridgette completed the LPN program with a 3.26 GPA and graduated in December 2022. Bridgette had this to say about her time in the WIOA program. "WIOA has helped me so much with the expense of attending school. The stipends for transportation helped out a lot with the cost of traveling back and forth to school and clinicals. I am so thankful for WIOA. Without the help WIOA provided, I would not have been able to afford to complete school." Previous Next < Back JANUARY 2023

APPLING COUNTY Alexia Caudillo, Youth Program Alexia Caudillo, from Appling County, has been in the WIOA Youth Program for several years. At enrollment, she needed assistance completing high school and wanted to gain work experience. During her time in the program, she has attended Occupational Skills Training, earned her High School Diploma, and participated in Youth Work Experience. She has worked very hard, and we are so proud of her accomplishments. Alexia says, “The WIOA program has helped me in many ways. The work experience has allowed me to provide for my family and given me the opportunity to get out in the community and help others.” Previous Next < Back MARCH 2023

EVANS COUNTY Rogers State Prison, Employer Services Rogers State Prison utilizes the One-Stops for hosting Job Fairs, interviewing candidates, and recruiting. Rogers State Prison regularly attends the Job Fairs that Job Training Unlimited hosts or sponsors in our region. They do a great job of sharing information about hiring events in the areas that we serve. LT Davis says, “When we need to conduct interviews away from the prison, we have always been welcomed to use one of the many One-Stops within the area. We appreciate the calm atmosphere and friendly staff.” Previous Next < Back JULY 2020

WAYNE COUNTY Madison Yeomans, ITA Program While working part-time as a CNA, Madison Yeomans was also attending Coastal Pines Technical College’s Licensed Practical Nursing Program. She found herself in need of additional assistance with the cost of school expenses in order to continue attending college. She applied for WIOA through Job Training Unlimited and was enrolled in April 2023. During her time in the program, WIOA helped cover the cost of tuition, books, supplies, and transportation. Madison worked very hard and completed the LPN program with a 3.17 GPA. She has been such a pleasure to work with, and we can’t wait to see Madison continue to reach her goals. Madison shared her experience by saying, “The WIOA program has been a huge blessing to me during my Practical Nursing journey. It has been a breath of fresh air knowing that I would not have to worry so much about expenses. This program is truly a blessing, and I will 100% recommend it to everyone. Thank you, WIOA, for the constant support.” Previous Next < Back DECEMBER 2023

JOHNSON COUNTY Anna Wilcher, ITA Program ​ Anna Reigh Wilcher enrolled in the WIOA Program on July 19, 2018. She was in the Registered Nurse Program at Middle Georgia State University when she began researching programs to assist her financially with school costs. After receiving the information and application, Anna applied for WIOA. During her time on the WIOA program, she worked part-time while attending school full time. Anna maintained a good GPA during her time in the program. Working with Anna was always a pleasure. Congratulations, Anna! Anna shares her story: "In 2017, I made the decision to apply to the nursing program at Middle Georgia State University. After receiving my acceptance letter, I began to realize just how costly nursing school could be. Tuition, books, supplies, uniforms, required online programs, and travel to get to my classes (that were nearly two hours away) were no doubt going to cost me quite a bit of money. I was worried that I would have to take out student loans to make it through the program. During my nursing orientation, a guest speaker from the WIOA Program gave us information on what the program was and how they could help make college more affordable. I decided to attempt to sign up but was not sure I would even be a candidate to receive the funds. After a short wait, I found out that I was approved to receive tuition assistance from WIOA. This meant that my tuition and book costs for two years of nursing school would be PAID! I also received a bi-weekly stipend to aid in the cost of travel to classes and clinicals. On top of this, I was given a voucher each semester to use in the college bookstore to cover the cost of basic school supplies. When graduation time came around, WIOA reimbursed me for graduation fees and paid for me to take my state nursing boards (which is rather expensive). The WIOA Program was a great blessing for me. In December of 2019, I was an honor graduate from Middle Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I sat for state boards in January of 2020 and started my career as a Registered Nurse in February of 2020. I am currently employed at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, Georgia. I have a great career and enjoy what I do. I thank WIOA/Job Training Unlimited for offering financial assistance to me during my time in nursing school. I am so grateful. I would recommend this program to anyone!" Previous Next < Back SEPTEMBER 2020

CANDLER COUNTY Haley Schuman, One Stop Customer Haley Shuman frequently visited the Candler County Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) One-Stop to get assistance with developing a resume and completing job searches. Through the One-Stop job search assistance, Haley was able to find a job with the Department of Family & Children Services. Haley is also a past WIOA Youth Program participant. Haley says, "With the assistance of the staff at the Candler One Stop, I was able to find employment. I am so thankful for the help I received." She also explained that WIOA staff helped her by teaching her responsibility and how to have a good work ethic. Previous Next < Back MAY 2021

EMANUEL COUNTY Daysia Heggs, Youth Program Daysia Heggs is an out-of-school youth from Emanuel County. She enrolled in the WIOA Youth Program because she needed assistance getting her GED, enrolling in college, and wanted to gain work experience. Daysia worked very hard, earned her GED, and registered in the Medical Assisting Program at Southeastern Technical College (STC). She participated in the Youth Work Experience (WEX) Program and was placed at STC to earn money to help with the fees of attending college. In addition, she received transportation stipends while attending school and financial assistance to cover the costs of supplies and fees. Daysia earned her CNA License and is well on her way to completing her program in Medical Assisting. Daysia did a great job working at STC on the WEX program and was offered a full-time position working with them while she completes her college career. We are so proud of Daysia’s educational and career accomplishments. She described her experience with the WIOA Youth Program by saying, “I am so thankful for the help I have received from WIOA. They have helped me with supplies for school, work experience, and more.” Previous Next < Back JULY 2023

EVANS COUNTY Coastal Georgia Area CAA, Inc., Employer Services Coastal Georgia Area CAA, Inc. (staff pictured above) reached out to WIOA staff about partnering with them to fill needed positions for the Evans County Head Start. WIOA staff worked directly with the Evans County Head Start Director to host a Hiring Event at the Evans County One Stop. WIOA staff created flyers and posted the job openings on the WIOA website, social media sites, and shared the information with other partners in the surrounding counties. The Hiring Event gave the Head Start staff the to conduct on site interviews with all the candidates that attended. WIOA staff was present to assist and offer the use of other resources and equipment needed to ensure the event was successful. Evans County Head Start staff said, “With the help of the WIOA staff and the Hiring Event, we were able to hire a Center Aide, a Janitor, Teacher Aides, Substitute Teachers, and a Cook. WIOA has been a lifesaver to our organization. We cannot thank the WIOA staff enough for all their help and willingness to assist at such short notice.” Previous Next < Back OCTOBER 2023

WHEELER COUNTY Casyn Clements, Youth Program Casyn Clements is a 17-year-old In School youth from Wheeler County. Casyn was enrolled in the WIOA Youth Program in February of his junior year in high school. He needed assistance to find employment and graduate high school. His goal was to attend college after graduation. While enrolled in the program, Casyn has participated in the Youth Work Experience Program, which has led to him being employed on his own. He just graduated from Wheeler County High School in May and has been accepted to Southeastern Technical College. He will be attending college for Radiologic Technology this fall. Casyn’s experience, in his own words, “I have learned a lot while working under the program. I have built my people skills. I have worked with new people and learned how to work around conflict in the workplace. I have learned to manage money and how to make it last.” Previous Next < Back JUNE 2021

TOOMBS COUNTY Katrina Brinson, ITA Program Katrina Brinson, from Toombs County, was enrolled in the WIOA ITA program in July 2022. She was attending Southeastern Technical College pursuing a degree in Business Management. As a single mom, only working part-time, she was in need of assistance from WIOA to pay for program expenses. Katrina also received transportation and childcare stipends. She worked diligently and completed her program with a 3.56 GPA. Katrina accepted a full-time position at STC in Student Affairs after graduation. She had this to say about her experience through WIOA, “The WIOA program and staff of Job Training Unlimited have taught me that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. Thank you for helping me complete my goal of receiving my Associate of Science Degree in Business Management.” We are very proud of Katrina and all of her accomplishments. Previous Next < Back NOVEMBER 2023

JOHNSON COUNTY Whitney Benton, One Stop Career Center Whitney Benton visited the Johnson County One-Stop actively seeking employment. She needed assistance with job searching and updating her resume. With the help of the Resource Specialist, Whitney applied for a position with Walmart and was selected for their interview and hiring process. Because of the assistance she received through the One-Stop System, Whitney was hired by Walmart and is now successfully employed! ​ Whitney said,” This free service is greatly needed in the county. I appreciate everything Job Training Unlimited has done for me on my journey to become employed.” Whitney also said, “The One-Stop Resource Specialist was very courteous and professional with assisting me.” Previous Next < Back JANUARY 2022

LAURENS COUNTY Selena Leal, ITA Program Selena Leal, from Laurens County, was enrolled in the WIOA ITA program in February of 2021. Selena was a Dislocated Worker and therefore eligible for WIOA services under the National Dislocated Worker COVID-19 Grant. She was attending Middle Georgia State University pursuing a degree in Nursing. Because she was not able to work due to attending school full time, Selena was in desperate need of assistance from WIOA to pay for program expenses, including uniforms, supplies, and testing fees. She worked diligently and completed her program in May of 2021. Selena has since passed her Georgia State Nursing License Exams and successfully gained full-time employment with Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, Georgia. Selena had this to say about her experience through WIOA, “The WIOA Program has been a great help by aiding me with transportation costs, books, uniforms, etc. I was fortunate to be able to be part of this program in one of my busiest semesters. I don’t know what I would have done without all the help this program has provided me!” Previous Next < Back NOVEMBER 2021