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CANDLER COUNTY Miriam Marlin, Youth Program Miriam Marlin is an 18-year-old In-School Youth from Metter, GA who was enrolled in WIOA in November of 2019. She was in the 10th grade and needed assistance to complete high school. She wanted to gain work experience and was interested in working with children. Through the Youth Work Experience (WEX) program, which works with local employers to place youth in temporary employment, Miriam was able to work at the Candler Boys and Girls Club. She graduated high school in May of 2022 and is now attending East Georgia State College pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. Miriam had this to say about her experience in the WIOA Youth Program, “The WIOA program has been very beneficial to me. Working with the children at the Boys and Girls Club helped me decide what I wanted my major to be in college. It gave me a lot of preparation for what to expect in the future. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity.” Previous Next < Back NOVEMBER 2022

WILCOX COUNTY Kristen McRae, ITA Program Kristian McRae, a native of Wilcox County, was attending South Georgia Technical College’s Licensed Practical Nursing Program when enrolled in the WIOA program. She was recently laid off and having problems finding employment. With the lack of income, the financial burden of completing the LPN program was overwhelming. Kristian needed WIOA assistance to help with her tuition, supplies, and the daily transportation stipend to continue attending school. She graduated from the Nursing program in December 2022 and has since passed her NCLEX. Kristian was a great participant, and we are very proud of her accomplishments. Kristian shared her experience by saying, “I am so grateful that I was able to receive WIOA funding. Without WIOA, I am not sure how I would have been able to pay tuition and all the other costs that are associated with the nursing program.” Previous Next < Back JANUARY 2023

APPLING COUNTY Kayla Carter, ITA Program Kayla Carter of Appling County was in the Nursing Program at Southeastern Technical College when she was laid off and needed additional financial assistance to help cover her school costs. Kayla applied for and enrolled in the WIOA ITA program in November of 2022. WIOA provided her with transportation stipends, daycare assistance, and helped cover the cost of tuition, fees, uniforms, and supplies. Kayla earned her Associate of Science degree in Nursing and accepted a full-time RN position at Jeff Davis Hospital. Kayla shared, “I heard about WIOA from a friend who was in the nursing program with me. He told me how helpful they were, and I was signed up three weeks later. As a mom with two small kids, it was very helpful to have WIOA to help pay for my tuition and reimburse me for things such as scrubs, shoes, stethoscopes, etc. I was able to graduate thanks to the help I received from WIOA.” Previous Next < Back JUNE 2024

APPLING COUNTY Sierra MacDonald, Youth Program ​ Sierra MacDonald is a Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Out-of-School Youth Participant who lives in Appling County. She is a mother of 2 small children and needed assistance to obtain her GED so she could further her education. Because of COVID-19, she has been attending Adult Education Classes online at Southeastern Technical College and is working hard to obtain her diploma. Sierra plans to further her education and attend Southeastern Technical College for a degree in Dental Hygiene. Sierra said, “WIOA has helped me in so many ways! I have learned you can do anything you set your mind out to do.” Previous Next < Back APRIL 2021

TOOMBS COUNTY Amber Yawn, ITA Program ​ Amber Yawn applied for the ITA program after being laid off from her job at Metro Power. She always had an interest in the nursing profession and decided to apply for nursing school in 2019. She enrolled in the LPN Program at Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia. Once Amber was accepted into the LPN program, she realized she would need financial assistance to help cover the program cost. She immediately applied for the ITA program and was determined eligible as a Dislocated Worker. WIOA was able to assist Amber with tuition and book costs as well as travel. With the help of WIOA, Amber was able to attend full time, and she maintained a GPA above 3.0. Amber graduated with her LPN Diploma in December 2020 and now works full time as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Jeff Davis Hospital in Hazlehurst, Georgia. Amber was a pleasure to work with, and we are so proud of her accomplishments! When asked about the WIOA program, Amber replied: “The WIOA program was truly a blessing for me, and without this program, I would not have been able to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I not only gained the financial ability to pay for my tuition, books, and supplies, I also gained friendships that will last a lifetime. Ms. Tanisha, my WIOA Case Manager, still reaches out to me to see how I am doing. I am honored to have been part of the WIOA program because without this program, I would not be where I am today.” Previous Next < Back MAY 2021

JOHNSON COUNTY Brianna Clifton Hall, Youth Program Brianna Clifton Hall is a 21-year-old Out of School Youth from Johnson County, Georgia who was enrolled in WIOA in November 2019. She had recently earned her GED and wanted to gain work experience and needed assistance enrolling in college. She decided to attend Southeastern Technical College with the hopes of earning a degree in Business Healthcare Technology. During her time in WIOA, she participated in the Work Experience Program and Occupational Skills Training. While attending college, she received transportation stipends and financial assistance with books and supplies. In May 2024, she graduated with her degree in Business Healthcare Technology. Brianna had this to say about her time in the WIOA Program. “WIOA helped me purchase school materials and to have gas money for transportation to my classes. My case manager was always just one phone call away.” Previous Next < Back MAY 2024

CANDLER COUNTY Johnny Collins, Youth Program Johnny Collins Jr. is an In School youth from Candler County. Johnny was enrolled in the WIOA Youth program in November 2019. He was in the 11th grade and needed assistance to improve his grades to be on track to graduate and find employment. Johnny worked hard to bring up his grades and was also a member of the Metter High School Basketball team. During his time in the program Johnny completed occupational skills training and participated in the Youth Work Experience Program. While working at the Metter Boys and Girls Club, Johnny had the opportunity to mentor elementary age children and connect with them through his experience as a high school athlete. He was a wonderful asset to their program and his community. At the end of his junior year, the world was turned upside down by the COVID crisis and he had to complete his school year virtually. Johnny worked very hard during this time and passed all his classes. Johnny has since graduated high school and is now employed full-time at Chicken of the Sea. We are very proud of Johnny and his accomplishments. Johnny had this to say about his experience with WIOA. “I have learned how to manage my money in a way that will help me with my future. I took away so much from the program. It was a great experience. Thank you for this opportunity.” Previous Next < Back APRIL 2022

TATTNALL COUNTY Amanda Anderson, ITA/Youth Program Amanda Anderson is a 23-year-old from Tattnall County. Amanda came to WIOA in need of work experience and financial assistance to afford the expense of books, supplies, and testing fees to attend college. Amanda is a unique case given that she has been dual enrolled in both the WIOA Youth and ITA programs. Because of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Program, she has now completed her degree as a Registered Dental Hygienist through Southeastern Technical College. Not only did Amanda complete her program and pass her licensing exam, but she was also the 2021 recipient of the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler Award. This award is given to the student who exemplifies outstanding clinical performance. We are very proud of Amanda and all she has accomplished! Amanda says, “Once I decided on a career path in dental hygiene, I began to research the various expenses beyond the normal tuition and fees. This program requires students to purchase all supplies necessary including all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), books, and two substantial examination fees. I can honestly say that I am unsure how I would have been able to afford the cost of school without WIOA. I will be forever grateful for this program because it allowed me to follow my dreams and become a Registered Dental Hygienist." Previous Next < Back DECEMBER 2021

APPLING COUNTY Anna Rentz, ITA Program ​ Anna enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Individual Training Account Program on January 17, 2020. She attended South Georgia State College for the Associates of Nursing program. When Anna applied for WIOA, she worked at the Appling County Board of Commissioners to cover the cost of school. Anna maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout her program. Anna successfully completed her program of study and received her license on June 3, 2021. Anna is now working as a Registered Nurse at Wayne Memorial Hospital. Anna was always a pleasure to work with, and we are so proud of her accomplishments! See what Anna had to say about the WIOA Program: “I appreciated this program tremendously! It allowed me to get a degree and not worry about some of the expenses of school. It helped me pay for textbooks and even paid for my State Boards to become an RN. This program is a great asset for college students to reach their goals.” Previous Next < Back JULY 2021

WAYNE COUNTY Miahyah Green, Youth Program ​ Miahyah Green is an 18-year-old In School Youth from Jesup, GA. She came to WIOA in 2019 in need of assistance to find a job. At that time, she was in the 10 th grade at Wayne County High School. Miahyah was interested in working with children but had never had a job before. Through the Youth Work Experience (WEX) program, which works with local employers to place youth in temporary employment, Miahyah was able to work at the Wayne County Boys and Girls Club. Because she did such a great job during her WEX participation, the Boys and Girls Club hired her when the WEX ended. Since then, Miahyah has continued to work there as a permanent employee and has now graduated from high school. She plans to continue working with children and hopes to open her own dance studio one day! Miahyah described her experience with the WIOA Youth Program by saying, “I wished to work with children and WIOA blessed that wish in October 2020. This service helped me by earning a permanent spot with the Boys and Girls Club within a year. I couldn’t thank WIOA enough for what they did for me.” Previous Next < Back JULY 2022

TOOMBS COUNTY Austin Farrow, Youth Program ​ Austin Farrow, a 24-year-old from Toombs County, enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Out-of-School Youth program in February 2020. Austin needed assistance to obtain his GED and find a job. After months of hard work, Austin recently completed all the requirements for his GED and passed his last exam on June 7th, 2021. He is currently working at David Thompson Collision Center in Vidalia and is in the process of enrolling in the Commercial Truck Driving program at Southeastern Technical College. Austin has a little boy and a fiancé who rely on him, and he wants to make them proud. Austin’s account of his experience with WIOA is, “This program has benefited me financially and with other needs. The help I was provided is the biggest reason I received my GED." Previous Next < Back OCTOBER 2021

TATTNALL COUNTY Bailey Griggs, ITA Program Bailey Griggs of Tattnall County decided to apply to the Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate Degree Program with Savannah Technical College. Once accepted into the program, Bailey applied for WIOA assistance. Throughout the program, Bailey worked part-time while attending school full-time. Bailey maintained an outstanding GPA and made the Dean’s List multiple times. Bailey graduated with Honors and was awarded an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Bailey has been an absolute pleasure to work with, and he shares his story below: “I am a recent graduate of the Aviation Maintenance Technology Associate Degree Program from Savannah Technical College and a newly FAA licensed Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic. I have been a recipient of WIOA funds and being a part of this program has been an exceptional experience. Although the application process was lengthy, it was well worth it. This program has helped me develop skills and prepared me to enter the workforce. The funds from WIOA have assisted me in completing my education on time and released much of the financial burden from my family and me. Through being a WIOA recipient, I was able to pay my way through college without incurring any student debt. Without the help of WIOA, I would have had to take out loans or work an additional job. My case manager at JTU was amazing. She answered questions promptly and tried to work around my schedule. All the staff I encountered from JTU were professional, polite, and willing to help with any issues. I am very thankful for the support I received through JTU and WIOA, and I would recommend the program to anyone!” Congratulations, Bailey! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments. Previous Next < Back JUNE 2021

WILCOX COUNTY Tykeyah Munford, Youth Program Tykeyah Munford is an Out of School youth participant from Wilcox County. Tykeyah enrolled in the WIOA Youth Program after graduating high school because she needed assistance to attend college. With the help of WIOA, Tykeyah was able to enroll in South Georgia Technical College for Early Childhood Education. She is pictured above at Wilcox County Elementary School, where she completed her student teaching hours. Tykeyah earned her Early Childhood Care Education Basics and Child Development Specialist certificates. She is on track to graduate from South Georgia Technical College in March 2022. She is pictured above at Wilcox County Elementary School, where she completed her student teaching hours. Tykeyah had this to say about WIOA, “I really enjoyed the program, and it helped me a lot! I bought my own laptop to do my work and learned a lot of responsibility.” We are very happy for Tykeyah and all she has accomplished. Previous Next < Back MARCH 2022

JEFF DAVIS COUNTY Amberly Rentz, ITA Program Amberly Rentz, of Jeff Davis County, was attending Coastal Pines Technical College’s Practical Nursing Program when enrolled in the WIOA ITA 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. WIOA assisted with the cost of tuition, books, uniforms, fees, and transportation. Amberly graduated from the LPN Program and has since passed her NCLEX. She has taken a position as a case manager with St. Joseph’s Candler Georgia Infirmary. Amberly had this to say about her time in the WIOA Program. “WIOA helped me each week through the transportation stipends. This was a big help, especially when I was traveling to clinical sites. Their assistance kept me from drowning in debt from student loans and allowed me to focus on completing the Nursing Program.” Previous Next < Back APRIL 2023