Early Detection, Education and Intervention are important keys to fighting breast cancer

That was the message that students and staff at the Charleston Job Corps Center heard at its 4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Event Oct. 22. The event was held in honor of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Female staff and students listened to a presentation by Alyshia Harris, a registered nurse at Thomas Memorial Hospital and breast cancer survivor. “This disease does not discriminate. It does not care about your race, age or gender,” she said. She also stressed the importance of doing self-exams, mammograms and early detection.  Harris, who credits her family and friends for their support and encouragement, noted that attitude is crucial in fighting the disease. “I was determined to beat cancer. I have so much to live for.”

Tia Welch, business community liaison at Charleston Job Corps, said Charleston Job Corps has hosts this event each year “because we want our students and staff to be informed about the disease, and the importance of self-exams and making healthy lifestyle choices.”  Wellness Manager Sherri Holstein reminded students and staff that “early detection, education and intervention of breast cancer save lives.”  Center Director Willie Brown said, “Breast cancer is a very devastating disease, but it can be overcome.  As a center we want to support our breast cancer survivors as best we can.”

On behalf of the Charleston Job Corps Center, Welch and students from the Ladies of Excellence group presented a check to Alyshia Harris for the Thomas Memorial Hospital Foundation Pink Ribbon Fund.  Following the presentation 100 students and staff walked the track and released pink and white balloons recognizing those who have succumbed to the disease.

A special thanks to guest speaker Alyshia Harris; Sandy Young, RN, Thomas Memorial Hospital; and Hometown Sportswear for the customized t-shirts.

Pictured left to right, Bryanna Watson, Tia Welch, Alyshia Harris and Jaquai Felton.

Muhlenberg Job Corps recognizes Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Debbie Devine, finance specialist – the Muhlenberg Job Corps Employee of the Month for September. Thanks to her hard work, Muhlenberg was able to end the contract year with “No Unbilled Purchase Order Receipts,” which means that all invoices were entered by the deadline. She entered over 430 invoices to meet a year-end deadline while doing all her other financial duties. Talk about multi-tasking! Devine’s efforts have contributed to the fact that Accounts Payable has scored 100% on all quarterly corporate trip report audits this year. She also identified a vendor error that resulted in a significant credit to the center for services not rendered.  For all these reasons and more, Debbie Devine is Muhlenberg’s “Employee of the Month.”

Pictured left to Ashley Knight, HR manager; Debbie Devine; and Center Director Eric Jones.

Perkins SGA meets with Sen. McConnell

The Carl D Perkins Job Corps SGA members and Business Community Liaison Jimmie Slone recently met with Senator Mitch McConnell at a community event at Brandise Industries at Stanville, KY. Sen. McConnell talked with the students and said he was glad to see them again. McConnell had visited the Perkins Job Corps during its National Job Corps Commencement Day activities Aug. 22. He also told SGA member Devonte Lewis he thought he was a faculty member because he looked so professional. And, no meeting is complete without a selfie – which is exactly what SGA member Josiah McIntoch took with the senator!

Thanks Senator McConnell for your continuing support of the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center.

Pictured left to right are BCL Jimmie Slone; Devontae Lewis; Sen. McConnell; Josh Kisiel;
and Josiah McIntosh.