When Jakevia graduated from high school, she knew she wanted to build a successful future – but she wasn’t quite sure what path to take. Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program, funded by OhioMeansJobs Marion County and facilitated by Marion Goodwill, she found the support, work experience, and encouragement she needed to move forward.
Jakevia learned about the program through friends and online resources and quickly discovered that WIOA offered much more than just employment. The program provided opportunities to earn income, develop workplace skills, connect with new people, and receive supportive services – including gas cards that helped her get to work each day.
“My experience with Goodwill has been good. I get to work, make money, meet new people, and even get benefits. I get to gain a lot of new experiences.”
Through the program, Jakevia secured a job she never imagined she would have the opportunity to obtain, giving her greater confidence in herself and her future. The experience has helped her build the skills and confidence needed to pursue a career in healthcare.
Now, she’s taking the next step toward her career goals. Jakevia plans to complete the Patient Care Technician Program at Tri-Rivers Career Center, continue her education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), then a Registered Nurse (RN), with the ultimate dream of becoming a traveling nurse.
Jakevia encourages other young adults to take advantage of the opportunities the WIOA Youth Program provides, emphasizing not only the employment experience but also the supportive environment and meaningful relationships participants build along the way.
Her advice is simple: “Always be willing to make a difference in life.”
Jakevia’s journey demonstrates how the Marion WIOA Youth Program helps young adults gain valuable work experience, overcome barriers to employment, and build a pathway toward long-term career success. With the support of OhioMeansJobs Marion County and Marion Goodwill, participants like Jakevia are turning their goals into reality – one step at a time.