Horizons Youth Services

Yes You Can Conference focuses on employability skills, responsibility

 CJCC hosted a “Yes You Can” Conference May 29 to promote student retention. The all-day conference, held at the John XXIII Pastoral Center, was coordinated by Lisa Lewis, student personnel officer, and Tia Welch, business & community liaison. Guest speakers and topics included Carl Chadband from KISRA (Kanawha Institute for Social Research and Action), “Overcoming Barri­ers;” Mary Halen from BB & T and John Rymer from the West Virginia Division of Personnel, “What Employers are Looking For;” and Carl Lee, a former NFL player, representing Community Outreach, “Personal and Social Responsibil­ity.” Sandra Blaney, owner of San’s Hair Loft in Beckley, and Don Juan Staples, owner of Don Juan Barbershop in Institute, led workshops on small business ownership. Other center staff conducted various afternoon workshops focusing on advanced training and college opportunities, work-based learning, community service and volunteerism and the student Personal Career Development Plan. Former students Toni Threatt and Denzel Owens also spoke to students about how the opportunities they received at Job Corps changed their lives. Thirty-three students attended the conference.



Students Joseph Thomas, Brandon Maske, Tevin Wilson, and Ansel Blake (right) visit with former NFL player Carl Lee during the Yes You Can conference.