To kick off the holiday season, the Cleveland Job Corps Center’s Social Development Department accepted the “1st Annual Gingerbread Village Showdown” challenge from the New Haven Job Corps Center in Connecticut. Each Serrato Job Corps Center was invited to compete in the challenge. The competition consisted of constructing a Gingerbread Village employing the E4 model (Embrace, Educate, Equip, Empower) using kits from Wal-Mart and supporting the holiday spirit.

Although the Cleveland Job Corps Center did not win first place, we would like to acknowledge the hard work and creativity from the students, Sharon Patterson Social Development Director, and Janelle Saldana Residential Counselor.

This year’s winner was the Blue Ridge Job Corps Center. They have the Gingerbread Champion title bragging rights for a year in addition to other awards and incentives. Congratulations, Blue Ridge Job Corps!

The Joy of the Holiday Spirit continued with, “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Each day the center will host holiday events for the students and staff to enjoy such as Cocoa & Caroling, Ornament Decorating, Gift Making, and many more. Social Development Director Sharon Patterson and Residential Counselor Bridgette Thomas planned the festivities building up to Christmas for the campus partake in camaraderie and be merry during the season. Happy Holidays!!