Valentine’s Day at Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center is a time to share the love. As the old saying goes, “It is better to give than to receive,” That’s definitely a moral instilled in the hearts of our students. On Thursday, November 13th Carl D. Perkins Youth 2 Youth Partners for Peace ambassadors and Office Administration trainees teamed up with the Mountain Region Prevention Center to visit the Signature Nursing Home and put smiles on the residents faces. During the week Carl D. Perkins students filled out Valentines day cards for the 50 residents living at Signature. Mountain Regional Prevention Care Center employees compiled treat bags of animal crackers, chocolate hearts, and puddings. On Thursday CDP students Emma Helman, Tamera Crawford, and Kaitlyn Lainhart accompanied MRPCC employees Maria Reynolds, Jennifer Lawson and Justin Ross to the Nursing Home facility. The staff at Signature Nursing Home led by Activities Coordinator Cindy Porter led us to each room, introduced us to each resident, and allowed us to give them a packet of tissues, snack packs, and read their valentine’s cards to them. One male resident stated that he had not celebrated Valentine’s Day in over 50 years! It was definitely a tear jerking moment. The residents were so happy to have visitors and our trainees were honored by the experience. So often the elderly residents in our community are left feeling lonely, and unable to be mobile. It was a great experience to talk, listen, and see the complete joy on their faces. We had so much fun we plan to return in March and host a dance. One student, Emma Helman left exploring the idea of becoming an activities coordinator as a career. We didn’t want the fun to end after visiting with the residents so we stopped by the Mayor, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, and County Clerks office to give them a valentine and thank them for their service. As well as sending a few to our Congressman and Senators. We hope to keep spreading love and cheer all year. Pictured left to right is CDP student Tamera Crawford, MRPCC employee Justin Ross, CDP student Kaitlyn Lainhart, MRPCC employee Jennifer Lawson, CDP student Emma Helman, MRPCC employee Maria Reynolds, and CDP Business Community Liaison Tiffany Fannin at Signature Nursing Home in Prestonsburg, KY.