Eckerd Connects

? Potomac Job Corps Student in the Spotlight ? ?? Today, Potomac Job Corps Electrical Trade student Jaziah was honored to share his experiences at the National Job Corps Association Spring Conference. Since this 21-year-old started his Job Corps journey in May 2024, he dedicated nine months to honing his electrical skills and knowledge. ?? His laser focus has already paid off as he earned a spot in the prestigious Navy Federal Apprenticeship program through the partnership with Eckerd Connects and Navy Federal Credit Union Corporation. ???? This resilient young man values loyalty, drive, and humility—principles that have shaped his character and helped him forge meaningful connections within and outside of Job Corps. He enjoys helping others and serving as a supportive outlet for his peers, fostering a sense of community among his fellow students. ?? Jaziah has experienced significant academic and personal growth as well as in his trade. The program has provided him with a newfound sense of independence and a thorough understanding of the workforce. He credits his instructors for their invaluable support and guidance, equipping him with essential leadership skills that led him to serve on our Student Government Association. ?? Jaziah proudly encouraged others to join Job Corps: “Opportunities are spontaneous. But Job Corps is a hotspot for them. If you are anything like me, let the program lead you to success.” Looking ahead, Jaziah plan to leverage the knowledge and skills he acquired in the electrical field to thrive in his apprenticeship at Navy Federal.?? He envisions a future of financial freedom with Navy Federal matching his savings 100% and continues to strive for excellence in every aspect of his journey. ???? Thank you, Jaziah, for serving as an example for us all. ? We look forward to watching your career soar! #PotomacJobCorps #NJCA #StudentSuccess #SuccessStory #JobCorpsWorks #CareersBeginHere #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

?? Peyton Ford: Guiding Young Men Toward Brighter Futures at Eckerd Connects’ Boys Residential Academy ?? As a Case Manager at our Boys Residential Academy in Boomer, NC, Peyton works with youth who have faced challenges with the law. She: ? Tailors her approach to meet each student’s needs, helping them shift their mindsets and take accountability. ? Runs the GED program, supporting young men as they earn their high school equivalencies. ? Creates individualized behavior plans, helping students find their strengths and build confidence. ?? Lead Case Manager Grace Holland shared: "Peyton is a rock star. She meets students where they are, builds rapport, and helps them understand that their past doesn’t define them—their future is theirs to build." ?? Peyton noted: “Being able to help them reframe their mindset about going to class and completing their schoolwork—and especially seeing when they start to understand the material and gain confidence with doing it themselves—is something that has consistently reminded me of why I do this job.” ?? Peyton, your commitment to education, mentorship, and personal transformation is inspiring. We are so lucky to have you on our team! #EckerdConnectsBoysResidentialAcademy #HeartOfTheWheel #GED #YouthEmpowerment #MakingADifference #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

?? Edella Carroll: Transforming Lives in Prevention Services ?? Since joining Eckerd Connects Prevention Services in 2024, Edella has: ? Organized impactful events, including Red Ribbon Week, mental health awareness initiatives, and a substance misuse education program. ? Secured donations for 31 Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas gifts for 32 students, and food for special school events. ? Created a safe, supportive learning environment where students thrive academically and personally. ?? Prevention Supervisor Jak Christensen shared: "Edella holds students accountable while making them feel supported and empowered. She constantly finds creative ways to make sure they feel noticed, heard, and valued." This quarter, Edella won our “Heart of the Wheel” award, recognizing her as an employee of the quarter. ?? Edella noted: “The children I serve really drive me to come to work every day and give my best. They inspire me to think outside of the box and find unique ways to connect with them and think of ways to make them feel noticed, heard, and special.” ?? Edella, your passion for student success is truly life-changing! Thank you for your dedication and tireless advocacy. #EckerdConnectsPreventionServices #HeartOfTheWheel #MakingADifference #StudentSuccess #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

?? Ellis Terrell, Jr.: Helping Job Seekers Find Hope & Opportunity in Indiana ?? With over 40 years of workforce development experience, Ellis has helped countless individuals turn job searches into success stories. As a Workforce Career Coach at Allen County WorkOne, Ellis is known for: ? A strengths-based approach—focusing on clients' abilities rather than their limitations. ? Incredible job placement outcomes, ranking among the highest in the region. ? Building lasting relationships with clients, many of whom return years later to seek his guidance. ?? Operations Manager Toni Morris shared: "Ellis engages clients by uncovering their strengths—whether it's work ethic, skills, or experiences—and helps them apply those in their job search. His approach empowers clients to move forward with confidence." His collaborative spirit and positive attitude help build a team-oriented environment where everyone feels respected and appreciated. ?? Ellis shared his philosophy: “In the industry that we work in, you must learn to ‘treat everyone the same,’ shared Ellis. “Sometimes, we forget when customers enter our doors for services, they have dealt with many doors closed in their face. Why not let our doors be the doors to success!” ?? Ellis, your wisdom, empathy, and ability to make every client feel valued set you apart. Your work is a testament to the impact of workforce development done right! #EckerdConnectsWorkforceDevelopment #CareerCoach #WorkforceSuccess #HeartOfTheWheel #MakingADifference #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

?? Let the Games Begin! Are you ready to roll the dice for a brighter future? The countdown is on for the Perfect Pair: Royal Affair on May 2, 2025. ? Admission: $125/person ?? Dress Code: Elegant Attire ??? Tickets: https://buff.ly/tUX4vVh ??Consider becoming a sponsor! Visit https://buff.ly/tUX4vVh Contributions to this event will support Eckerd Connects’ mission to provide housing and prevention services to youth and families in need. ?? Reserve your spot today and have fun while making a difference! #EckerdConnects #CharityCasinoNight #RoyalAffair #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

?????? Eckerd Connects Programs Propel Sherina into Lucrative New Career ?????? Originally from Philadelphia, Sherina bravely made the decision to move to a new city for a fresh start in life. ?? This courageous 22-year-old joined the #PittsburghJobCorps and quickly applied herself to earn her high school diploma and driver’s license. ???? This meant a great deal to Sherina, who has had to overcome many obstacles in her young life without a strong family support system. ?? While on the Pittsburgh Job Corps campus, Sherina discovered a love of the healthcare field, opting to study the Certified Medical Assistant trade. This diligent, hard-working student always made it a point to show up on time with a positive attitude. ?? She credits supportive instructors and a strong set of peers for helping her excel in the program. Not only did Sherina complete the trade, but she often assisted other trainees with vitals and blood draws. ?? Today, Sherina is employed at the AHN Primary Care Northside in Pittsburgh as a Medical Assistant. Thanks to Eckerd Connects’ Success Awards, Sherina has the specific scrubs she needs for the job, along with a stethoscope, watch, security deposit, furniture and essentials to help her settle into the next exciting phase of her life. “This is truly a blessing,” shared Sherina. “This way I can be even more self-sufficient in my journey, starting over with a career I love in a new city.” Get the details. https://buff.ly/AXtnBe0 #EckerdConnectsSuccessAwards #PittsburghJobCorps #PoweredbyEckerdConnects #SuccessAwards #SuccessStory #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

Join us for an evening of fun, food, games, and entertainment. All to benefit youth and families served by Eckerd Connects’ housing and prevention programs in Brevard and Osceola counties. The Oasis at Palm Shores?|??Melbourne, FL Admission:?$125/per person Dress Code:?Elegant attire

???? Eva Mariscal: A Lifetime of Dedication to Students at #DavidLCarrascoJobCorps ???? ?? From student to staff, Eva Mariscal has dedicated over 40 years to Job Corps, never losing sight of her mission: to put students first. ???? Eva shared: “I see the incredible potential in each student, and work to gently help them learn self-discipline and make advances both personally and professionally. It is incredibly fulfilling to see students grow and thrive through our program.” Eva serves as Center Standards and Incentives Manager, where she helps with student discipline, oversees student government, and even created Titans Trendy Clothes Closet, a campus initiative providing students with free clothing. ?? Eva’s impact extends beyond the campus walls! She has built strong relationships with community organizations, including Families Against Violence, the local food bank, and El Paso County leadership, ensuring students receive vital resources. ?? Campus Director Rose Felix-Guerrero shared: "Eva has volunteered countless hours to the center, always available 24/7. She is truly deserving of this recognition as Employee of the Quarter." ?? Eva, your commitment to second chances, student success, and community engagement is truly inspiring. Thank you for your unwavering service! #DavidLCarrascoJobCorps #PoweredbyEckerdConnects #EmployeeOfTheQuarter #HeartOfTheWheel #MakingADifference #EmpoweringPotential #BuildingCareers

?? Featuring Another Winning Healthy Heart Team at Eckerd Connects! ?? Did you know that 80 percent of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, can be PREVENTED? ???? Our Wellness Team shared this information from the World Heart Federation with employees in February, throwing down a challenge for teams to gather and show their support American Heart Month. Here’s what our second winners had to say: “Our staff trained our girls all session for a Super Bowl game. Some staffed played, others coached, but all of us joined in on doing the cha cha slide for the halftime show! We all also participated in a healthy habits challenge which included no sugary treats, not eating after 8pm, doing 10 minutes of self-care, drinking 64 oz of water, eating a balanced breakfast, and doing 30 minutes of exercise. ?? Way to go, team! Enjoy a lunch, brunch, breakfast or snacks on us! #EckerdConnects #PoweredbyEckerdConnects #HealthyHeart #AmericanHeartMonth #EmpoweringPotential

Leadership matters. Dedication makes a difference. ? In #workforcedevelopment, it’s often the quiet, pragmatic leaders who drive the biggest impact.?Ryan Salzer?is one of them. A dedicated problem-solver, Ryan brings a steady hand and strategic vision to the work of expanding career opportunities for young adults. He is deeply committed to ensuring that workforce programs don’t just exist—but that they thrive and meet the needs of both job seekers and employers. ? Now,?Ryan is he is stepping forward?as a candidate to serve as the Region 3 representative on the?National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP)?Board of Directors. His leadership is rooted in action—not just ideas. Whether it's forging partnerships, strengthening program performance, or advocating for policies that expand access to opportunity, Ryan consistently works behind the scenes to get things done. ? Join us in supporting Ryan as he continues to drive positive change in the workforce development space. His leadership is exactly what’s needed to shape the future of Job Corps and beyond.????If you’re?a?NAWDP member?in Region 3, we encourage you to?cast your vote before March 31! Learn more about Ryan at: https://lnkd.in/epVucdpS ? #WorkforceDevelopment #workforce #Leadership #NAWDP #EckerdConnects #Region3