On January 9, 2026, over sixty participants proudly walked the stage at the JEVS Workforce Development graduation, marking an important milestone. In partnership with Penn Foster, JEVS Work Ready graduates earned their high school diplomas, while JEVS EduConnect graduates achieved health care certifications.
The graduation ceremony was held at the Susan Roberts Theater, with graduates’ loved ones in attendance to celebrate their accomplishments. Many participants shared the obstacles they had overcome, including unstable housing, financial insecurity, and limited resources for their families. Work Ready Cohort 8 Valedictorian Alexas L. reflected on her experience: “I found encouragement and strength in my classmates and teachers who supported me without judgment. Their kindness reminded me that I was not alone.”
At the time of her graduation, Alexas had secured both stable housing and a new job. She added, “I am no longer just surviving, I am thriving, and I finally have a dependable career that I enjoy. This is who I am: a fighter, a mother, and a woman who now stands tall.”
Another graduate, Shanta W., shared her journey to JEVS: “Sitting in a classroom full of women who shared similar struggles and experiences helped me see my situation differently. For the first time in a long time, I did not feel alone. I was a struggling mother searching for a second chance, trying to rebuild a life that had fallen apart after a devastating accident in 2014.”
Shanta, who earned her Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) certification, is now employed at a local medical center. She reflected, “When I look back at my journey from pain, fear, and reluctance to strength, purpose, and achievement, I see a woman who refused to give up. That is who I am: a fighter, a healer, and a woman who took her life back.”
Each graduate’s story reflects resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education and support. Graduates now have the opportunity to continue their education and career training through healthcare programs at Orleans Technical College [link to OTC], a program of JEVS Human Services.
Individuals interested in JEVS’ programs can learn more here.
I wanted to graduate with my high school diploma before my oldest daughter received hers. I heard about the Penn Foster program through my Case Coordinator at JEVS Human Services’ Work Ready program. Before I was enrolled, I took an assessment test. I was very nervous because I have not sat for testing in years. Once I received the news that I passed the assessment test, I had so many questions. I also was focused on the goals that I had after graduating with my diploma.
Obtaining my high school diploma puts me on a new path. I will have a successful future because I am now a high school graduate. I left high school when I was pregnant with my first child. As much as I wanted to finish, I did not. My education was put on the “back burner” for me because working and providing for my child was my number one priority. As I grew older, I was more determined than ever to get my high school diploma. It brings me joy to know my son will see me walk down the aisle. This milestone will allow my son to witness me do something fantastic and to show him that he can do it as well.
Leaving school was hard for me, but my grandparents were too sick to take care of me, so I had to grow up fast. After becoming a parent, my perspective on life changed, and I wanted something better. I heard about the high school completion option through JEVS Work Ready. When I first heard about the program, I was scared, and did not know if I was going to be able to do it. However, once I took the assessment exam and passed, my confidence grew.