By Maggie C.
The JEVS Work Ready Graduation at The Arts Ballroom in Philadelphia celebrated participants earning diplomas and health care certifications. Work Ready provides employment services to individuals who receive TANF and SNAP assistance, supporting them in overcoming obstacles to self-sufficiency. Work Ready is one of many JEVS programs that support individuals in gaining independence and economic security. Since 2021, it has helped hundreds of individuals succeed.
The graduation began with remarks from Alberta Lloyd, Work Ready Instructor. She praised the participants for their hard work and dedication to completing their programs. Keynote speaker Yolanda Marks spoke about personal growth, connecting it to the graduates, her own life, and the film, The Pursuit of Happyness.
Graduate speeches highlighted the excitement of the moment and the tight-knit and supportive community they found in the Work Ready program. Many graduates, along with their families and support systems in the audience, expressed deep pride and accomplishment. Nichelle Lee, who previously earned her high school diploma through the JEVS Work Ready program, received her phlebotomy certification. She was excited to share that she had job interviews lined up, as well as an externship in phlebotomy. Nichelle’s speech kept coming back to her community, emphasizing that her class “started together and finished together.”
Congratulations to the graduates on their achievements!
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.