Teaching computer skills, one generation to the other

Basic computer skills are key components of the education that students at the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Office Administration program receive. So it was only fitting that these students, along with their instructor, Melissa Hicks, decided to share their computer knowledge with residents at the Riverview Nursing Home. Office Administration students visited the facility Oct. 23 to teach residents basic computer and cell phone skills. The students taught residents how to save and download photos from smart phones, log into the Internet, create a Facebook page, set up an email account and play games. These basics, which many of us take for granted, can open up a whole new world for senior citizens and help them stay connected with their family and friends.

While the residents got to learn new technology skills and enjoy the companionship of some young people that many residents already consider their adopted grandchildren, the students also gained much from the experience. Perkins students got to practice the computer skills they learned in class, help others, use their teaching and communication skills, and learn some great life lessons by listening to the stories shared by residents.

The day was such a success that it is now a weekly activity for Carl D. Perkins Job Corps and the Riverview Nursing Home.

Muhlenberg Job Corps hosts Senior Citizens Prom

The Muhlenberg Job Corps Center Recreation Department, with the assistance of the health careers students and the Military Club, hosted the 2014 Senior Citizens Prom Oct. 23 at the center. The annual event had outgrown its facility, and Muhlenberg Job Corps was more than happy to host the event. Proceeds from ticket sales for the prom benefited the Pennyrile Allied Community Services (PACS) Hot Delivered Meal program at the Senior Citizens Center. Approximately 115 senior citizens attended the event, which included a catered meal by the Snack Shack, and music was provided by the Benny Pryor Band. Students supported the event by directing traffic and assisting with parking, escorting seniors to their tables, serving the meal. Students also joined in the fun as they line danced with seniors until the end of the night, and asked each senior to dance.

Up in smoke!

Students at the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center got some valuable fire safety training Oct. 16. That’s when CJ Childers of Pike County Emergency Management brought a million-dollar mobile fire trailer to the center for fire safety presentations for students and staff. Students got to go into the unit in groups of eight to see simulations of grease fires, oven fires, and trash can fires in the kitchen and to learn how to use a fire extinguisher and how to react to each of these types of fires. Students also went into a mock bedroom and learned how to best react to a house fire. They experienced first hand smoke coming under the door, the sensation of not being able to see, and feeling the door for heat, and learned that it’s crucial NOT to open the door if it feels hot.

At Perkins Job Corps, safety is the top priority, and training exercises such as this are part of the center’s ongoing focus on safety. Thanks to the Pike County Emergency Management and the Prestonsburg Fire Department for assisting with the presentations.

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.

Muhlenberg launches new Career PROS Team program

The Muhlenberg Job Corps Center has launched a new mentoring program designed to give each student the personal attention and guidance her or she needs to succeed in his or her academic and career training at the center, and ultimately, succeed in advanced training programs, college and/or careers. The Career PROS Team (CPT) Program uses a team approach to providing training and servicing student needs. The CPT team is involved in students’ progress throughout the program in all major educational and social development areas. 

Students are assigned teams, according to the career technical training program in which they are enrolled. These teams remain consistent throughout the student’s enrollment, and include the manager, counselor, academic instructor, CTT instructor, administrative support, security staff, residential advisors and/or recreation staff.

Through the CPT program, students learn and enhance social and employability skills through classes facilitated by staff and students on the team. The team keeps its staff and students informed of all center activities and student opportunities at bi-weekly meetings. These meetings also act as a forum in which teams can recognize and encourage student achievement, and students can present needs or concerns that develop throughout the month.

In addition, the CPT program serves the following functions:

• Assists students in identifying and removing obstacles to achievement of set goals;
• Assists students in adapting to center life throughout the CDSS process;
• Assist students in enhancing social and employability skills that will lead to success in the workplace and throughout their personal lives;
• Monitor and address student attendance and accountability issues;
•  Monitor student progress in education and training throughout the career development period;
• Assist in the development and implementation of applied academic curricula and instructional; techniques adapted to the individual learning styles of the students;
• Recognize student progress and achievement through positive reinforcement and incentives, and;
• Prepare and project students for the final phase of the program and the world of work.