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Workforce Development Programs Celebrate 22 New Graduates
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
The workforce development program of Cherry Street Mission
Ministries held a graduation on Sunday, November 17 in
partnership with Owens Community College and Northwest State
Community College.
The ceremony began with greetings, a student perceptive
testimony, and reflections from the presidents of Owens and
Northwest State. Then graduation certificates in machine
tool & die, welding, customer service call center, and
digital literacy were presented.
“Today is a great day for a graduation. We’re here to see
the fruits of their hard work. Regardless of their current
situations, these students are examples. Congratulations to
all of you,” said Ann Ebbert, president of Cherry Street
Mission Ministries during her opening remarks.
The graduates received their certificates by program type
and partnering institution. Owens Community College led
machine tool & die certificate and welding certificate,
while Northwest State Community College led customer service
call center certificate and digital literacy certificate.
Kevin Esmond earned two certificates and shared words of
gratitude and encouragement to his fellow graduates. “We
have all gone through something and my story is no different
than anyone else’ on this stage. I arrived at Cherry Street
on April 8 after years of incarceration, but now I have an
apartment, church home and good health. I am truly grateful
that we made it.” |
Ann
Ebbert
Michael Thompson, PhD |
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Graduates from Machine Tool & Die: Michael Clark,
Christopher Currie, Kevin Esmond, and Michael Hart; Welding
graduates: Timothy Binder, Kevin Esmond, Ferras Hebaichi,
Demani Mincey, and Devin Padua; Customer Service call center
graduates: Shi’ Ann Crawford, Jerry Drouillard, Tela Horn,
Thomas Moses, Joseph Mateo, Mila McCarthy, Shaquena Watson
and Emily Johnson; Digital Literacy graduates: Shira
Summers, Deborah Garabrandt, Gary Randolph, Kathy Lyons, and
Maria Morales.
“You will always remember the obstacles in your life, but we
are here to celebrate something significant. Developing your
skills training will be easier for you, because you have
already started the process. I see continued success in your
future,” shared Steve Robinson, PhD, president of Owens
Community College during reflection comments.
Workforce Development at Cherry Street is designed to
provide access to services, personal plan development,
provide wrap around support to students, while meeting the
needs of each unique human being. Those graduating from a
workforce development course have gained skills they can use
in new and exciting careers.
Students invested their time to learn the latest skills,
learn best practices, master technology and how to provide
the highest quality of work.
“I can’t imagine the difficulties that some of you have
faced but know what you have accomplished here today is
incredible. You have demonstrated that you can overcome
situations,” said Michael Thompson, PhD, president of
Northwest State Community College during reflection
comments.
Cherry Street Mission Ministries mission is to serve all who
come to us in need, and to provide purposeful discipleship
by rescuing the downtrodden, restoring hope to the hopeless
and releasing God’s greatness to our communities. For
additional information about training classes,
transportation, child care, temporary employment, disability
employment assistance, behavioral health care, and access to
social services call 419-214-6776.
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