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The first round of Career Connections events have been held in all WV Youth Works regions. The events were a huge success and everyone is looking forward to the upcoming second round of activities! 
These events are designed to offer family support, and also to offer Benefits Counseling in a group atmosphere. It is a great way to stay active in the Youth Works Program and to meet other individuals in the area to find out what their experiences have been. Check out photos and descriptions of the events below that have already occurred.  January 21, 2009 Career Connections The first ever Career Connections Event was held at Valley Worlds of Fun in Fairmont, WV. Activities at this event included: learning more about social security benefits and asking questions; career readiness activities, including prioritizing your needs in life and determining who is in your circle of support; pizza eating, ‘Benefits Jeopardy’, door prizes; and, of course some bowling, video game playing; and, lots of rides that make you dizzy! Check out some of the action below!  !
 
   
 
    Career Connections March 12, 2009 A special thank you to the participants and their family members who attended the Career Connections Night at the Upshur County Business Center. Participants who attended learned about YTD Waivers and SSA work incentives, WV Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), WORKFORCE WV services, community rehabilitation services, and disability programs. All in attendance appreciated the information provided by our guest speakers, Rick Bennett, Manager of Region 6 WORKFORCEWV, Amie Wamsley, WV DRS Counselor, Mike Turner, Seneca Designs executive director, Sherry Davisson, Disability Program Navigator (DPN), and Karen Gerard, WVU Center for Excellence and Disabilities Benefits Counselor. In addition to the information, participants enjoyed playing ‘Benefits Jeopardy’ and pizza!  
 
 
   
 
April 14, 2009 Career Connections The third Career Connections Event was held at Emerson Bowling Lanes in Parkersburg, WV. A representative from the Consumer Credit Counseling Agency came to share information with the participants and their families. She shared information about referrals, and answered various questions surrounding credit and housing finance information. After the presentation, Karen Gerard, YTD Benefits Counselor, presented information about YTD Waivers and SSI and SSDI issues. The participants played a round of ‘Benefits Jeopardy’, recieved some great door prizes and prizes for answering questions, and then everyone enjoyed pizza and chips before hitting the lanes for some bowling competition! Thanks to all of the Parkersburg Youth Works participants who came out to learn more and have fun!  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
May 27, 2009 Career Connections Coonskin Park- Charleston, WV On Wednesday, May 27, 2009 the Charleston branch of WV Youth Works hosted the fourth Career Connections Event at Coonskin Park. Participants and their families started the evening with an informational presentation by Karen Gerard on their YTD waivers and SSI/SSDI benefits including work incentives and medical coverage. After the presentation, the participants played a game of ‘Benefits Jeopardy’ and staff handed out prizes for correct answers. Special thanks go out to our two guest speakers who gave of their time to present valuable advice and information. World’s Strongest Man Phil Pfister spoke at length with participants and their families about setting goals and working for the things you really want. Those in attendance enjoyed the opportunity to ask Phil about his experiences and he stressed the importance of encouragement and support from family. Participants then had the opportunity to listen to an employer’s perspective on interviews when Mary Halen from BB&T Bank presented the Do’s and Don’ts of interviewing. Mary gave suggestions to participants on how to have a memorable and positive interview with an employer. After the speakers, everyone enjoyed a dinner of BBQ pork sandwiches and Quaker Steak chicken wings with all the sides while door prizes were given to each participant. Even though we almost needed water wings to get to our cars through the rain, everyone had a great time! Thank you to all the participants and their families who braved the weather to come out and spend some time with us! WV Youth Works staff would like to send our sincerest thanks to the following area businesses and individuals who donated food items and/or money to enable us to provide such an entertaining and positive evening. You really made the difference and your generosity was truly appreciated by all who attended. Ron Lawrence of Page 1 in Kanawha City, Sam’s Club in Southridge, Wal-Mart of Southridge, and Kroger Stores of Kanawha County for donating money to purchase food, utensils and other needed materials; Casey Vanderbilt and the Southridge McDonalds for donating drinks, apple dippers and caramel, napkins and cups (Wow!); Quaker Steak and Lube for giving us a great deal on buckets of chicken wings (and giving us lots of little extras for free!); And our sincerest and deepest gratitude to Kanawha County Parks and Recreation for allowing us to use the beautiful Riverside Pavilion free of charge. Thank you so much for your time and contributions.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 17, 2009 Career Connections Mercer County Seven paticipants were a part of a fun night of activities for this Career Connections event. The evening included speakers such as the Disability Navigator, Division of Rehabilitative Services, the Benefits Counselor from WVUCED, and speeches by participants that have had successful employment. The total number of people in attendance of the event was 31. Family members attended the event and enjoyed the activities and speakers as well. Activities included bowling, Jeopardy, door prizes, lots of gift bags, which included pens, pencils, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, T-shirts, mugs, water bottles, stress balls, baseball caps, candles, and gift cards to stores such as Wal-Mart, Kroger's, Lowe's, AppleBees, and Cinemas 8. The participants left the event with more undesrtanding of the YTD Waivers and also had the opportunity to interact with each other in a fun and learning environment.    
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 28, 2009 Career Connections Huntington WorkForce Center This Career Connections event was held at the WorkForce Center, in Huntington, WV. Teryl Jones from DRS joined the group to speak about opportunities through DRS and the referral process for accessing services. Loyd Casto from HRDF spoke about proper interviewing techniques and what not to do during an interview. Charlie Tyree, also from HRDF, lead an interactive game with the Youth Works participants. Karen Gerard from the WVUCED spoke about YTD Waivers and lead an interactive game as well. Prizes were handed out to participants, that came from; JCPenney's, the US Army, and donations given to HRDF from various sources. Youth Works pariticpants enjoyed dinner from Little Ceaser's and Foodland. This event concludes the first round of Career Connections events. Each region will have another upcoming event, so be sure to respond when you receive your invitation to the next Career Connections! (Pictures to come) |
