Power Up! Bright Futures Await!
“It is truly wonderful and inspirational to see organizations, government and private enterprise come together to empower people to take the first steps to a successful working career!” This was the parting message relayed by Power Up! participant Sharon Williston as she addressed a group of supporters during the Power Up! closing ceremony.
One of six adults aged 25 years and up, Sharon celebrated her achievements as a participant of the employment readiness program offered by the Community Education Network since 2008. Participants engage in skill building activities and training sessions to enhance their existing employability skills to confidently transition to the workforce. Each of the six men and women, who were in receipt of Social Assistance, completed four weeks of pre-employment training, a community service pro
ject, a 930 hour work placement, while attending biweekly workshops that focused on work-life balance skills.
Gathered at the Stephenville Lions Club on Thursday, February 23, 2017 family, friends, employers, sponsors and funders came together for a final hooray. Program Coordinator, Corinne Tulk introduced each participant during a slide show presentation highlighting each and they personal accomplishments during the program and their future aspirations.
Joining Sharon to share her expereinces with Power Up! was Charity McNabb. Working part-time with her placement employer, Rossy’s, Charity has ambitions of continuing her education in Hairstyling. “When I look back over the past nine months, I don’t recognize myself. Thanks to this program and Corinne, I am walking taller and have so much new confidence in myself. I am the happiest I’ve been, this program did that, I recommend this to anyone who is looking for a new start on life.” Jokingly, she turned to Corinne and asked, “Can I do it again?!”
Concluding, Corinne left each with this final message, “This is my sixth time standing in front of a group of people very similar to you…my sixth time to have had the honour and privilege of witnessing the growth and self discovery of individuals who like us all wanted change. I’m so proud to have been given this chance again this year and I look forward to meeting you all again in your new lives and new adventures. I promised I would push you beyond your comfort level, that I would hold you accountable for your achievements and your setb
acks, that I had high expectations for each of you, while there have been struggles there have been more celebrations and today I’m so very happy to be here to witness you take your next steps! Congratulations! You Did It! Your future awaits!
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