Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Counseling Department hosts donation drive for local community partner, St. Vincent Mission. After a month of collecting donations, the counseling department cheerfully delivered their contributions to the mission on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 on behalf of the staff of Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center.
“We became aware of a need, and wanted to not only assist them, but also show our appreciation for the assistance they have bestowed upon us, our students, and our community” says Tom Crabtree, Perkins Counseling Manager.
Contribution items donated to St. Vincent Mission Pantry were cleaning supplies, shampoo, conditioner, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent, and new (or gently used bedding) for their housing facilities. Perkins Job Corps Center was able to collect and donate over 236 items during their drive. 17 Baskets and buckets of hygiene and cleaning supplies were assembled, donated, and now ready to assist families in need.
“The St. Vincent Mission in David Kentucky has been very gracious to provide a few of our students housing during these difficult times. Without the assistance of the Mission, we have 5 students that would have been displaced and struggling since they left our center in March. “admits Melinda Porter Career Services Director, solemnly.
Counseling Manger Tom Crabtree presented Erin Bottomlee, Director of St. Vincent Mission with a plaque in appreciation of the commitment and dedicated service to our community. Bottomlee then gave everyone a tour of the Mission grounds including the David Boutique, a gently used clothing and household items store, the Grow Appalachia community garden, and volunteer housing facilities.
St. Vincent mission is familiar with the Job Corps program and services, on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 they donated 8 pieces of luggage for our students. “Under normal center operations our students travel from our residential job corps facilities, sometimes visiting at home on weekends or personal time off, bereavement leaves, winter break, etc. The population we serve sometimes lacks basic resources such as a travel bags or luggage. This is a generous donation, and will fill the needs of some very deserving students.” says Wyvonna Davis, Social Development Director at Perkins whom manages the residential and recreational activities. Community partners helping each other during a national pandemic for the future workforce of Kentucky. Vince Lombardi said it best when he said “Individual commitment to a group effort-that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”
You can visit the website of St. Vincent Mission at www.stvincentmission.org to learn more about all the services they provide to our community and to view their wish list if you would like to donate to families in need.
For more information regarding the Job Corps program and services please visit www.carldperkins.jobcorps.gov
Perkins Job Corps Counseling Department is comprised of 4 Career Counselors, a Counseling Manager, and overseen by the Career Services Director. Pictured below from left to right is Career Counselors Annie Collins, Hannelore Urban, and Jessica Music, St. Vincent Mission Director Erin Bottomlee (squatted holding Mavis the dog) St. Vincent Mission Social Service Director Jennifer Sparkman, Perkins Counseling Manager Tom Crabtree, and Perkins Career Counselor Jeremy Slone.