The Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) operating under Horizons Youth Services (HYS) held its third annual Student Mother’s Day Celebration on Thursday, May 5, 2016 in the center cafeteria. Business Community Liaison, Tia Welch started the event three years ago. “The purpose of this celebration is to encourage student mothers who will be away from their children on Mother’s Day. We are proud of their accomplishments and desire to improve their lives” said Welch.

Jamela Brown, Counselor and Camilla Neal, Records Supervisor read poems during the ceremony. Tierah Williams, Recreation Advisor performed a solo, “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Today’s speaker was Frances Shearin, Counselor aka “Grandma” to students. Shearin encouraged students to stay motivated and complete their goals. “Motherhood is a tough job, but you can do it” said Shearin. The young mothers were encouraged to show their children love and affection on a continuous basis “even if you did not get what you needed, give it to them” said Shearin. Shearin drew from her personal experience and faith to encourage the student mothers.

CJCC Student mothers include Kelsey James, Jasmine Pierce, Brandee Waugh, Clarissa Ogle, Erica Hailes, Tyeisha Davis, Kurtiana Ballard, Aleiyah Abney, Brittany Peters, Myesha Simley, Shytasia Holloman, Selena Ortega, Dy’mond Montague, Sebasia Whipple, Tyla Wise, Marina McCartney and Shanice Griffin. All student mothers received a goodie bag and certificate in commemoration of the event. Refreshments were provided by the cafeteria under the leadership of Thomasina McKinney, Food Services Manager. A special thanks to Tia Welch, BCL.

Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16-24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. The Charleston Job Corps Center is overseen by the Philadelphia Regional Office of Job Corps and is operated by Horizons Youth Services.